No substitute, sorry

Let's admit it. We are now living in a techno based world. Everything we do in this so-called 21st century, we do technologically. From the moment we wake up in the morning till the time we close our eyes at night, we are dealing with technology. From the simple thing like nail clipper to the complicated thing as computer. From the less-techno vehicle like bicycle to the super-techno spacecraft. It is the heyday of technology.

Our world has shifted into one big digital world. Time, distance are no longer problems anymore. Someone who is in the middle of a dessert in Afghanistan can communicate with someone who is in New York. We have provided by tools that make our life easier. Tools called technology.

"Technology is the application of science, especially to industrial or commercial objectives" (American Heritage Dictionary)

"Technology is the usage of and knowledge of tools, technique, crafts, systems or methods of organization" (Wikipedia)

In short technology was created to help us, human being.

However are we happy with these "Technologies"?

I personally feel that something's missing.

How come?

Let's have an example.

Blackberry. This tool is a breakthrough in communication. It changes the way people communicate. It makes communication cost cheaper. You can have a nice, comfortable chat with your friend who is in another island, province or even in other country. You can also get information easily and faster. We've became dependent on this device.

What is the missing part then?

The missing part are the immediacy, the intimacy, the personal touch, facial expression, body languages. We can not feel or experience all of these through blackberry or other communication devices. Things like a warm hug, eye contact, even simple thing as handshake.

There is no substitute for face-to-face communication. Hourly phone calls can't replace a 5-minute rendezvous. Hourly chatting in a virtual world will not replace the remarkable feeling of being able to have a conversation in the same room. Face-to-face communication remains the best human interaction.

For me, no matter how sophisticated the way we communicate, no matter how cool, fancy, awesome the gadget that we have, still, there is no such thing that can compare, replace or substitute the old-fashioned face-to-face communication.