SUHANI
My journey with the internet began in the early stages of my education, around the fourth grade, when I excitedly sent my first homework-related message on WhatsApp. It was a moment filled with pride and astonishment at the marvels of technology. Back then, internet access was limited, not a constant 24/7 companion. The cost of usage was high, and my internet time was restricted to specific hours when my father was present, requiring me to navigate the complexities of turning on hotspots and dealing with teethering settings.
As I progressed to the sixth grade, the allure of the internet grew stronger. However, my access was limited, and I would seize the chance to use my mother’s phone during her afternoon nap or in secret beneath the covers. WhatsApp became a staple, yet the high costs still constrained widespread phone and internet usage for everyone.
By the time I reached the eighth grade, the landscape had begun to shift. I delved into Instagram on my Chrome browser, marking a significant entry into the world of social networking. The role of the internet in my life was evolving, gradually becoming an integral part of my daily routine.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing about a seismic change. Online classes became the norm, catapulting the internet into the center stage of my daily life. The arrival of Jio was akin to a revolution, making the internet more accessible through its free offerings. It became an extension of our essential needs—akin to ‘roti, kapda, makaan’—seamlessly integrating with platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Meet. During the pandemic, I harnessed the power of the internet to its fullest extent. I consumed educational videos, learned diverse skills like rapping and animation, and enrolled in courses on Skillshare. However, this newfound dependence sometimes pulled me deeper into the virtual world, often making it feel like a 24/7 reality. The absence of the internet rendered mobile phones seemingly mundane, highlighting its pivotal role in modern life.
In this digital age, AI tools have become a lifeline, especially when time and energy are in short supply. They augment our productivity without stifling imagination, offering a helping hand when needed most. Despite my affinity for the traditional ways of learning, I’ve come to appreciate the value of these tools in enhancing efficiency and creativity.
However, despite the benefits, the overabundance of the internet can be emotionally draining, prompting occasional desires to disconnect and retreat into the tranquility of solitude. In a world where everything is accessible through the internet, the allure of in-person interactions becomes more pronounced. I sometimes find myself unintentionally leaving messages unread for weeks, yearning for the genuine connection of face-to-face conversations.
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