Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
Mobile phones were once considered the most powerful means of convenience, security, and connectivity. They bridged distances, saved lives in emergencies, and facilitated communication. However, over time, these same mobile phones have become a source of stress, frustration, and mental disturbance for millions. The biggest reason for this is rampant phone call marketing, which has made life miserable for the common man.
The day often begins with a call from an unknown number. As soon as we wake up, the phone rings, offering a loan, an insurance policy, a credit card, or a “limited-time” investment offer. Whether it’s an office meeting, an online class, or an important conversation at home—phone call marketing has no understanding of time or circumstances. When asked, we get the same rehearsed answer—”Sir/Madam, just two minutes.” But we don’t realize when those two minutes swallow up significant portions of our day.
The most worrying aspect is how callers get our mobile numbers. We have neither personally provided them with our numbers nor explicitly authorized any services, yet they speak with complete confidence. Sometimes they even know our name, profession, and needs. This situation is not just a call marketing problem, but a blatant violation of personal data security and privacy. In today’s digital age, mobile numbers have become not just a means of communication but a commercial commodity.
The government and regulatory bodies have enacted regulations and implemented services like “Do Not Disturb,” but in practice, their effectiveness appears to be limited. Calls continue to come even when numbers are registered on DND. The complaint process is so complex and lengthy that ordinary people become frustrated and choose to remain silent. This frustration further fuels the problem.
The impact of phone call marketing isn’t limited to simply wasting time. It gradually leads to mental stress and irritability. Every unknown number raises a sense of apprehension—maybe it’s another useless call. The fear of missing an important call persists. This confusion profoundly impacts a person’s peace of mind. Many people become so bothered by the constant calls that they become irritated with their mobile phones.
This problem is even more serious for the elderly and those with less technical savvy. They often fall prey to these calls and are often scammed. Incidents of fraud involving millions of rupees are being reported under false pretenses related to investments, prizes, KYC updates, or bank account details. The line between call marketing and fraudulent calls has become so blurred that it’s difficult for the average person to distinguish between them.
Time is life’s most valuable asset, but call marketing openly disrespects it. Calls that arrive early in the morning or late at night are proof that rules are confined to paper only. This problem is even more acute for working people. A ringing phone during a meeting not only distracts attention but also damages one’s professional image. Putting the phone on silent runs the risk of missing important calls, and not keeping it on silent leads to the hassle of unwanted calls.
It’s also important to understand that the caller isn’t always at fault. Employees working for telemarketing companies are often under immense pressure. They must make a set number of calls daily, and if they don’t meet the target, they face the threat of losing their job. Low pay and an uncertain future force them to stick to this work. They speak according to a set script, no matter how angry the other person may be.
But the real responsibility behind these employees’ compulsion lies with the system, which, in the pursuit of profit, tramples on human privacy, time, and peace of mind. Companies know that if even one person in a hundred falls into their trap, their objective is achieved. This is why call marketing has become an organized industry, where ethics and sensitivity have no place.
While India has regulations to regulate telemarketing, their effective enforcement is severely lacking. While there’s talk of fines and bans, there’s little visible change on the ground. Many calls originate from internet calling or foreign numbers, which are not subject to local regulations. This misuse of technology further complicates the problem.
This problem is also affecting social relationships. A person who is repeatedly disturbed becomes irritable, which affects both family and the workplace. A phone ringing suddenly while spending time with children or talking to the elderly disrupts the atmosphere. Gradually, people stop picking up unknown calls altogether, which can sometimes lead to missing important and even emergency calls.
The digital age has given us freedom of expression and a wealth of convenience, but responsibility and control are equally important. When technology makes life stressful rather than easier, it’s natural to question where we’re headed. Allowing apps without reading terms, sharing mobile numbers on every website, and ignoring privacy policies—all these habits contribute to the problem of call marketing.
It is now imperative to take concrete steps towards a solution. Personal data security must be given top priority, and strict penalties must be ensured for violations. Systems like DND must be made truly effective to provide relief to consumers. Companies that repeatedly violate the rules must face strict action, not just warnings.
Additionally, consumers must be vigilant. Disallowing unnecessary apps, being wary of suspicious calls, and reporting fraud—these are small but important steps. Only an aware consumer can hold this system accountable.
Ultimately, it must be understood that phone call marketing is no longer just a commercial activity, but has become a serious social problem. It invades our privacy, wastes time, and robs us of our peace of mind. The purpose of technology should be to simplify, secure, and improve life, not to make it more difficult. Until the system, companies, and consumers—all three—jointly fulfill their responsibilities, this problem will continue to plague the lives of ordinary people.
(Dr. Satyawan Saurabh, PhD (Political Science), is a poet and social thinker.)
