By Renee Chikwanda
The dual nature of technology can be truly fascinating. In the 1960s, an American agency – NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) had been working on groundbreaking innovations to support space travels, conquer the moon and other planets.
Few could have predicted that these same technologies, decades later, would become part of our everyday lives- in offices, schools, and our homes.For instance, the need to create simple yet nutritious food for astronauts led to the development of protein bars and powders, now widely consumed by athletes and even used in infant milk formulas.
The challenge of retaining heat in cold space environments resulted in the invention of metallic thermal blankets, now commonly used by paramedics and firefighters. The demand for compact and light equipment in spacecraft led to the creation of miniature camera lenses, which are now utilised in our smartphones.
These are just a few examples.Yet, for those born in Africa before the 1970s, the pace of technological change felt far more distant.
That generation grew up in a world where daily life focused on nature and tradition.
Mornings often began with collecting firewood and cooking over an open fire. Education was integrated into everyday activities- farming, keeping animals, or engaging in community life.
Children often learned by observing elders, participating in hands-on tasks, and learning skills through trial and error: lighting a fire, fetching water, preparing meals, constructing shelters, or caring for livestock.
Home economics was taught not in classrooms but by watching mothers and grandmothers make the most of seasonal products.
Lessons of justice and social order came from village elders and traditional leaders. Cultural norms were passed down through storytelling, music, and community rituals.This way of life might have continued unchanged if not for the rapid spread of modern technology into even the most remote villages and compounds.
Those early generations of the 60s and 70s can surely remember the excitement of their first TV program or radio broadcast. Entire communities would gather around a small screen or a simple speaker, watching in awe, discussing programs, dancing to the music, and absorbing shared stories.Fast forward to the 2020s, and we find a drastically different world.
Technology is no longer a stranger- it’s in nearly every home. TV screens, radios, ovens, microwaves, smartphones, and USB drives filled with music have become the norm.
Electricity powers a growing range of devices. But does this convenience always improve our quality of life?It appears that, while today’s generation has embraced technology, we miss the critical reflection on its downsides.
Meaningful conversations among young people are increasingly rare. Screens have replaced interpersonal learning. Technology, once a tool and rare convenience, now dominates time and attention.
Why read a book or learn a story when a video version is just a click away?Research has shown that excessive screen time contributes to various health issues especially for children and young people, such as poor posture, weak muscles, impaired skeletal development, and deteriorating eyesight or hearing due to frequent headphone use.
But perhaps the most significant concern is the fast-growing breakdown of social connections and communication skills.
The rise of emojis and pictogram messages is slowly replacing spoken and written language. Alarming levels of grammatical and spelling mistakes and errors are being reported even at secondary and university levels.
Meanwhile, mental health professionals, from school counsellors to psychiatrists, notice a huge increase in emotional and psychological challenges among children and young people.
The rate of suicidal attempts increased rapidly. The solution is not simple or immediate, but it begins with awareness and balanced habits.
A guiding principle such as “everything in moderation, and moderation in everything” can help manage screen time by parents and responsible guardians at home.
Watching media together and encouraging discussions about its content can build comprehension and critical thinking, whether in terms of vocabulary, interpretation, or practical relevance.
Asking young people reflective questions like “Was this useful?”, “What did you learn?”, or “What would you change?”- can help make science a tool for growth rather than distraction.While technology offers marvellous opportunities, it also comes with real challenges.
Ultimately, it’s up to us how we use it. Let us be its masters, not its slaves.
The author is an educator, counsellor and social advisor
Email your comments to: renee.chikwanda@gmail.com
