FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. "Computers are replacing human beings in relationships." Express your views on the observation on computers, human relationships and other related matters. Your views/opinion should be based on reading, knowledge and experience.

Ans. Information Technology has become not only the buzz-word but also a craze for all categories of people who find it as captivating and exciting as the magician's wand. Whereas the impact of the magician's tricks is transitory, the services that the computer renders are lasting in nature and nuance. In fact, there is no human activity that is free from the sway of internet, InfoTech industry, e-mail and the like. There is no barrier that one can put to the range and reach of information/communication channels that the 'computer mouse' has made available for all. The 'tech-savvy' are falling headlong for e-mail that is efficient, saves time and money and helps to keep in touch with people. They are of the strong view that it enhances social ties rather than curb them. Surely, what they say is based on experience and practical considerations. The other side of the coin is equally worrisome if not alarming.

    Psychologists say the 'e-society' might appear fast and well-connected, but it is actually getting socially isolated. Research has proved that computers isolate people-emotionally and physically-from the direct experience of natural world.

    Experience shows whenever a new technological device or gadget begins to rule the roost and commercially calls the shots, human susceptibilities and sensibilities take a back seat. The artificial atmosphere that such a scientific success weaves around appears more meaningful and methodical. A similar supremacy surrounds the internet that in turn is increasingly substituting weak virtual relationships for the more permanent real-life ones. People who start relying on virtual relations find it difficult to cope with emotions of real world relations. According to the psychologists, this is a dangerous trend. People, who carried off their fret by the feats of 'e-age' may become incapable of dealing with the demands of personal commitments.

    The obsession with the machine (computer) also cuts into physical needs: Computer addicts invariably skip meals and suffer from sleep deprivation. It is not surprising then that the American Psychological Association has accepted that Internet addiction as an official mental disorder. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that cybernetics can be no substitute for aerobics.

    Thanks to the instant gratification from the Net, people have become impatient, and do not tolerate frustration. Netaholics, like work-alcoholics, are not only bad for family life, the workplace suffers too. Bosses, if not addicts themselves, complain of Net-obsessed subordinates, who just can't get away from the monitor and work.

World without religions

Q. If all religions disappear from the world, what would happen? Give three important consequences that would overtake the world sans (without) religions.

Ans. No doubt, religion is the creation of man for purposes other than material and mundane. It is supposed to come to man's rescue when he is caught in the whirlpool of woes and worries. Since ages man has tried to find the meaning and purpose of life through the varied forms of prayers, rituals, et al. Temples, mosques, churches and shrines, have been a part and parcel of human psyche. From birth to death, human beings remain attached with one religion or the other, and for a majority of them, life's purpose remains incomplete without the support and sustenance of religion. Notwithstanding the fact that religion has been dubbed as the 'opium of people' by a well-known person, any effort to persuade or pressure people to forsake religion as something irrational has not cut any ice. But, if by any chance all religions disappear from the world, the following consequences will be a very natural fallout. 

    Though God will remain omnipresent, yet all roads (religions) to reach Him will disappear. Thrown off-guard and left in the lurch, human beings will find the going too tough and rough to bear without the prop that religion provides in moments of trials and tribulations, tragedies and traumas. More than the physician's healing touch, it is human faith in religion that comes to his rescue. Once the religions disappear from the world, human beings would have to create or evolve some such edifice as can stand by them in times of crisis or sudden mishaps. Perhaps, all human beings in the world sans religions will find themselves at the receiving end. 

    Priests, preachers, and monasteries, besides temples, churches, mosques and shrines of all saints and sages and their likes, will become redundant. Both moderates and fanatics, followers and fundamentalists will suffer a state of vacuum in the absence of religion. 

    History is a resounding reminder of atrocities inflicted in the name of religion and once the religions disappear, there will be no recurrence of such barbaric acts in the name of  'jehad or crusade'. The likely victims of such mad persons/maniacs who claim to be the custodians of religion, will heave a sign of relief. 

    The world without religions would offer uncaring and unscrupulous persons plentiful opportunities to grow rich by all means, but become spiritually bankrupt at the same time. Without religious tenets and guidance, people will be left high and dry on the stormy waters of life. Religious quacks, cultists, godmen, impostors etc will have a fine going. For such pretenders the field will be open to exploit the masses to the hilt. Only the helpless and the god-fearing will suffer the loss of spiritual solace and religious rituals, hymns and prayers, periodic or daily going to places of worship. In short, the world without religions will be a bad and sad place to live and die.