The advent of technology has been very great to mankind, has it? I think that's a topic still very hot on the street of debate these days.
Some inhabitants of Earth are just getting to smell the cool breeze of technology while others have explored it so much that they are starting to denounce the components of technology by going off-grid.
Whatever the case may be, technology is here and very present in our everyday lives.
Because of technology, the distance between the world has now been reduced to only waves and signals. With one tap, you would be communicating with people away on the other side of the world. Technology has made nations and civilizations known only through stories accessible. Now you can meet the entire world through the lens of a device.
The evolution of media has opened up a channel where people come together to socialize on many levels thereby being able to let their hearts out, share life journeys, gain opportunities, and even seek counsel.
Now the world is smarter and more knowledgeable. Oftentimes, people sympathize with one another and give each other support. It is now through such mediums that the act of kindness has been disseminated more than ever.
How does technology impact the promotion of kindness and compassion in our society?
Technology has got people seeing, hearing, and feeling the plight of others. Things that stir emotions in others and bring out the humanity in them. It is no wonder that when people genuinely share their problems, someone out there is ready to lend a helping hand, a crying shoulder, a donation, crowdfunding and all that is out there these days. Technology made all of that easy. I believe that this is something that can be harnessed more effectively to achieve a greater goal.
In the same way that technology has popularized such a beautiful thing as kindness, things quickly go south with technology, especially on the media and the web. We are all humans(unless some sort of E.Ts are within) but within us can be faceless entities masked behind the keyboard with evil plots in the hearts. Some of them are ready to catfish, impersonate, and scam unsuspecting individuals who just want to help. With technology, I can be whoever I want to be on the web and go unnoticed, uncontrolled, and unapprehended. The number of cybercrimes that have gone unpunished is alarming. Faceless people commit crimes that go on to affect the lives of people very negatively. You find them lurking in the shadows of the internet in the guise of being kind. It is sometimes a sad tale.
On the brighter side of things, I attempted to keep a kindness journal. For the longest time, being kind to others has been an essential part of my life. However, I didn't think much of keeping track. I've always felt that whatever was for the goodness of all. So this week, I needed to be intentional about it.
On Monday, I took my sister-in-law shopping and it was absolutely amazing. I could see so much gratitude and joy in her eyes that it filled my heart so much.
Tuesday came quickly. I noticed my neighbor's daughter had gone to school two times in a row with unkempt hair. I offered to braid her hair. Her parents were so happy they came to my home just to say, thank you. I loved that she looked prettier afterward.
Wednesday was my favorite. I baked chocolate cake for my entire family and we couldn't be happier. I think it was the chocolate - we were all so energized. What's more, I didn't feel any guilt eating all those calories.
Today, I left a note for my partner saying how much I cherished his presence in our lives.
It is only Thursday but I feel like I've gotten so much from the week already. Kindness is the way.