Defining DA. Digital addiction can be defined as excessive, obsessive and compulsive use of digital technology. There is a thin line between the need to use a device and the compulsion to use the same. DA is becoming a common phenomenon mainly impacting adolescents and adults and is more common in singles.
Emotional Symptoms. The emotional symptoms could include following:
Anxiety
Loneliness
Stress
Depression
Loss of sense of time
Isolation
Agitation
Lack of concentration
Physical Effects. Physical affects could be as follows:
Backache
Headache
Weight loss / gain
Strained vision
Insomnia
Threats. DA threatens to subvert ones attention from essentials and has potential of negative impact on the general wellbeing. It starts hampering normal life, cutting off people from physical society and relationships.
Remedial measures. Some of the remedial measures are as follows:
Restricting use of smart phones and internet.
Laying down timings.
Removal of unnecessary apps.
Turning off notifications and alerts.
De-addiction. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences has started a clinic (Service for Healthy use of Technology) for internet de-addiction.
Please feel free to comment and provide value addition.
We are in the Digital age where information is readily available on our electronic devices. The pandemic has further increased our screen time.
The digital connectivity has been a savior in many ways. It has helped everyone to stay connected with their near and dear ones providing much needed morale support to each other. Biggest advantage has been online work, transactions and supply chain.
At the same time It is bringing a drastic change in our day to day activities and social behavior.
Starting a new series on the issues related to digital addiction. This will be covered in several parts as follows:
First part of the recently published Annual Report to US Congress on military and security developments involving the people’s republic of china deals with understanding Chinese Strategy.
China’s National Strategy
Excerpt from US Report. The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) strategy aims to achieve “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. Comments. China seems to be doing well and achieving the landmarks before the stipulated timelines.
Excerpt from US Report. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) frames this strategy as an effort to realize long-held nationalist aspirations to “return” China to a position of strength, prosperity, and leadership on the world stage. Comments. China aspires to be “the only sun in the sky”. They view the world to be in the shape of a cone with China in the center and on top of it.
Excerpt from US Report. China’s strategy can be characterized as a determined pursuit of political and social modernity. Comments. China is pursuing her goal with determination and vigor. Achieving political and social modernity seems to be from her point of view and is not the same as perceived by the rest of the world.
Excerpt from US Report. It includes far-ranging efforts to expand China’s national power, perfect its governance systems, and revise the international order. Comments. Expanding her national power and perfecting her governance system is acceptable to the rest of the world. Revision of international order as viewed by China amounts to ruling the world, which is objectionable to the others.
Excerpt from US Report. The CCP’s leadership has long viewed China as embroiled in a major international strategic competition with other states, including, and in particular, the United States. Comments. Chinese mind set is archaic and that of competition, with aspiration to be ahead of everyone. The world has moved on to the concept of Co-omperation i.e. be cooperative while being competitive.
Excerpt from US Report. In 2019, China intensified its efforts to advance its overall development including steadying its economic growth, strengthening its armed forces, and taking a more active role in global affairs. Comments. There could be few possible reasons for this. First is that CPC’s centenary year 2021 is approaching. Second is attempt by Xi Jinping to further consolidate his position and third is impatience to achieve the Chinese dream. Timing of the Covid pandemic and way of handling it by China, leaves quite a few questions unanswered. It could be a part of the overall strategy.
Please feel free to express your views and provide value addition.
Part 2 of the series would cover aspects related to foreign and economic policies.
