Digital technology is not only taking over our workplaces and public gatherings, but also our everyday lives. Parents and children are spending less time with each other, and feelings are now expressed with emoticons.
Five members of Tuan and Mai’s family own 3 to 4 smartphones. Their obsession with smart devices has caused a lot of conflict in their everyday lives.
Nguyen Thi Mai, Ngoc Ha Village, Hanoi said: "It is annoying to see my elder son stuck to his smartphone and his younger brother glued to the TV set. Nobody cares for anyone else, I’m really upset".
Vu Minh Tuan, Ngoc Ha Village, Hanoi said: "Sometimes we sit together without saying a word to each other. If someone makes a post on Facebook, others will give him a like. Other than that, no one says anything about their interests. We are just growing more and more distant".
These images are raising concern on the Internet. They may be fictional, but they depict the current situation of family members loosening their ties due to smartphones. They may lack interpersonal skills in real life, but they are very good at expressing themselves in the virtual world.
Le Tam, People’s Police of Vietnam Newspaper said: "People should consider smart devices as assistants, and not be enslaved by them. Then they should get together and realise the true values of life".
The development of digital devices and networks is inevitable, and is actually a good thing for communication and access to information. However, people should set their own boundaries to take advantage of technology without eroding their personal relationships.
