“Technology knocked on our door, entered our minds, and began to reshape our narrative.”
Once upon a time, technology played only a small role in our daily lives. Every person had their own narrative and opinions. People’s opinions are shaped by their experiences, conservatism, and observations rather than by social media algorithms.
But in the recent past, especially after COVID-19, we have become slaves to technology. Our opinions, suggestions, and even our concepts are now linked to technology.
Now, if anyone asks us something, we immediately open our phones and ask Google or chatbots for the answer. We have become quick learners when it comes to technology.
The question is no longer whether technology is part of our lives; it’s how much of our lives we let technology shape. There are many pros and cons, some of which are listed below:
- The benefits of technology in building a narrative
- The impact of COVID-19
- Media and character assassination
- The spread of misinformation
- Reduced human interaction
The Benefits of Technology in Building a Narrative
For large groups of people, technology changes their narrative in positive ways. In the past, millennials had limited access to the world and were unaware of their rights. Now, the current generation (Gen Z) knows their rights and responsibilities. They know how and where to use their rights. This is possible largely because of social media. Different channels and pages run campaigns that inform people how to use technology and respect others and their opinions.
The Impact of COVID-19
Things got worse during and after COVID; people’s dependence on technology significantly increased. During COVID lockdowns, many people spent long hours online. While technology connected their professional and personal lives, it also exposed them to hate speech, misinformation, and provided easy access to explicit content.
It started as a need in our lives and became our permanent partner, slowly shaping our narrative.
Media and Character Assassination
Character assassination is not a new phenomenon created by technology; it has existed in society for centuries. However, technology has given people a powerful platform to judge, label, and attack others more easily and on a much larger scale. We see people wearing modern clothes, forming friendships with members of the opposite gender, or women and men working in professions traditionally dominated by the other. People automatically take these as reflections of a person’s character. Looking at comment sections and direct messages, such individuals are frequently subjected to sexual comments or unfair judgment about their character. This mentality has become a permanent narrative for many people.
The Spread of Misinformation
Technology has made it easier for misinformation to spread than verified facts. We hear random news about someone or something and, without confirming its authenticity, spread it through WhatsApp groups, Instagram stories, and other social media platforms. Every day we hear different news about actors, politicians, or public figures, such as claims that they have been killed or divorced. This news may be a lie, so it is important to verify it before sharing it. Every day, we see hundreds of channels with millions of views and subscribers presenting themselves as legitimate news outlets, even when the information they share has not been verified. People become addicted to consuming such fake news, and over time, these false stories become part of their beliefs and shape their narrative.
Reduced Human Interaction
Excessive reliance on technology has reduced meaningful face-to-face interaction and significantly increased passive entertainment. There was a time when people liked to go out, have fun with their families, play different games, enjoy each other’s company, and engage in healthy conversations and debates. Today, many people prefer playing PUBG or scrolling Instagram instead of spending time with friends and family. In many households, everyone is occupied with their smart devices. They leave a tiny corner for conversation, where they discuss hot issues and respect each other’s opinions. These debates matter because they encourage critical thinking and help people challenge false narratives.
In the end, technology is neither entirely good nor entirely bad for human behavior or narrative. It depends on how you use it. When we use it responsibly, it promotes education, self-awareness, and different types of connections. However, if we use it poorly, it can spread hate, misconceptions, and bad habits that gradually reshape personal narratives.
We should use this time for productive activities: reading books, engaging in thoughtful conversation, conferences, and building a healthy algorithm. These habits develop critical thinking and help us build our own narratives instead of letting technology define them.
I am leaving this with one final question:
“Are we writing our own narrative, or is technology writing it for us?”
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Pakistan Education Review. This content is meant for informational purposes only.
About the Author:
Tehreem Gull is a Mathematics graduate from the International Islamic University Islamabad, with a keen interest in writing, research, and exploring ideas beyond her academic field. She enjoys writing about technology, society, education, women’s empowerment, and the ways these issues influence everyday life. She aspires to use writing to share thoughtful perspectives and encourage meaningful conversations.
