Prateeksha Apurv writes in the Speaking Tree, part of Times Of India, on November 11, 2025
What would happen if all the smartphones on the planet were shut down for 24 hours? What would that day feel like – no voice calls, messages, or access to social media platforms? Would life become better, or more complex?
At a time when medical experts are warning about the mental health impact of smartphones and when ‘technostress’ is being recognised as a real condition, these questions, though hypothetical, raise important concerns about our holistic well-being.
If all smartphones across the globe were to go offline for 24 hours, many among the world’s 5.76bn active users would face anxiety. How did we come to this point?
While scientists and nations have made astonishing technological advancements, we’ve largely forgotten to nurture our inner world. Since the late 1700s, the world has witnessed four Industrial Revolutions, but it is yet to undergo a spiritual revolution.
Today, our entire life is driven by algorithms. We have failed to strike a fine balance between the outer and the inner dimensions of our existence.
Our ancestors prayed in Yajurveda: “Atmane me varco da varcase pavasva” – O inner divinity, grant me the radiance and strength of self-realisation.
Our sages urged us to journey inward and complete our lives with awareness. But humanity seems to have chosen the outward path.
We’ve acquired vast knowledge and developed countless tools for progress and convenience. While innovation has improved our quality of life, it has also led to a neglect of our inner world. We have created AI, but instead of controlling it, we have allowed algorithms to control us.
In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn tells Arjuna: “Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet; Atmaiva hyatmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah.” – Elevate yourself through the power of your mind. The mind is both the friend and the enemy of the self. Today, Krishn’s words have taken on new relevance.
Our brilliant minds have unleashed extraordinary technologies, but these tools are also becoming enemies of the self. Many scientists have noted that AI is eroding cognitive abilities and stifling human creativity. Many experts view AI as an existential threat.
However, the outcome depends entirely on us – on how we choose to use technology. While AI is an external invention, the awareness with which we live is an inner discipline. Basically, the world needs people who have the fragrance of both Einstein and Buddha.
Thirty-seven years ago, a disciple had asked the spiritual master Osho whether man would relinquish his intellectual supremacy to computers?
Osho said that a computer is merely a mechanical extension of human consciousness. While it could assist human evolution, it could never replace consciousness. He was clear: a person who lives only outwardly, disconnected from the inner self, cannot be whole.
Osho emphasised the need for harmony between our inner and outer worlds. That balance is more crucial now than ever before. Yes, we need technological innovation. But we also urgently need a spiritual revolution.
We must reduce our dependence on social media and AI tools and teach younger generations to engage in critical thinking, analysis, and creativity.
Artificial Intelligence can draw a painting, but it will deprive people of joy, emotions, and the opportunity to experience the act of drawing.
Let us, then, strive to harmonise our outer progress with inner awareness.
Pratiksha Apurv – www.pratikshaart.com
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