The “Third Generation”

Groucho Marx says “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” In 21^st century’s context this statement is absolutely perfect as the influence of visual media is on the peak. It has become a part of life or may be more than that. 

The overflow of technology could be the main reason behind it. And if the influence on elders is like this then there is a lot to worry when it comes to children as they love to imitate us. As Newton said, “every action has an equal and opposite reaction”, this social scenario also will have reactions either positive or negative and in the curious case of media influence there aroused certain negative reactions too. The distance between people and books got increased. Though there are many digitized books these days, very few prefer them. These phenomenons will slowly leading to a generation who does not have the strength of imagination and thinking as they are becoming mere couch potatoes. 

 

For our previous generation reading was a daily activity which goes along with their routine. Their days were incomplete without a newspaper. But situation and technology changed and accordingly habits also changed as people started lacking time to sit at a place and spend some time for reading. Especially when it comes to our young age group most of them prefer social networking sites rather than a book. Should we let this happen or try to bring in the old method will be based on the level of intellectual and quality output given by each individual in various spheres. If the rating is very low, there has to instant procedures to improve the situation.

Schools can play a key role here through various new methodologies to inculcate interest towards reading in students. If we consider boarding schools as an example, the extra hours available after regular class timings are more. These precious times can be dedicated to reading and related intellectual analysis. If we look around, there are many boarding schools in India, develop such programs to inculcate in children the importance and interest towards reading.

Being influenced by any media is not harm until it becomes a social stigma. Technological developments should implement ways which retain the good habits from past. 

 

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