Accepting the role of technology in our lives | Akarsh Verma | TEDxYouth@BIS

Summary

Akos Verma's presentation highlights the pervasive influence of social media on daily life, particularly among younger generations, and contrasts it with the limited engagement of those over 60, where only 20% use platforms like Facebook. Verma emphasizes the widening communication gap due to technology's rapid advancement, leaving the elderly behind. He refutes the stereotype that seniors are disinterested in learning technology, sharing personal anecdotes of teaching elderly individuals to use iPads and smartphones. Verma's grandmother's transformation from no technology to active social media user illustrates the potential for seniors to adapt. He concludes by encouraging the audience to help bridge the gap by teaching older family members to engage with technology.

Takeaways

• 📱 The speaker humorously notes that checking phones is a common first activity in the morning, followed closely by other daily routines.
• 👴 There's a significant generational gap in social media usage, with only 20% of people over 60 using it compared to 60% of those aged 20-29.
• 🚀 Technology, particularly social media, evolves rapidly, potentially leaving the elderly behind and creating a communication gap.
• 🌐 Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become powerful tools for communication and even organizing large-scale events like the Egyptian protests.
• 👵 The elderly are often stereotyped as uninterested in learning new technologies, which the speaker refutes with personal anecdotes.
• 👴 The speaker shares an experience working at an old age home where residents were eager to learn about technology but lacked opportunities.
• 📚 The speaker's grandmother, initially with no technology experience, quickly adapted to using a basic phone and later a smartphone, demonstrating willingness to learn.
• 👶 The speaker encourages the audience to teach their older relatives about technology, emphasizing it's not difficult and can be a rewarding experience.
• 🌟 The presentation ends with applause, indicating the audience's positive reception of the speaker's message about bridging the digital divide.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Akar Verma's presentation?

Akar Verma's presentation focuses on the impact of social media and technology on different generations, specifically highlighting the communication gap between younger people who use social media extensively and older individuals who are less familiar with it.

How does Akar Verma describe the typical morning routine for many people in relation to technology?

He explains that for many people, the first thing they do in the morning is check their phone, followed by tasks like brushing teeth and eating breakfast while still engaging with their phone or thinking about it.

What does Akar Verma say about the use of social media among people over 60?

He notes that only 20% of people over 60 use social media, which contributes to a growing communication gap between generations.

What comparison does Verma make between technology usage 10 years ago and today?

He mentions that 10 years ago, communication platforms like AOL Messenger and Gmail chat were primarily used for chatting, whereas today, platforms like Facebook and Twitter offer more diverse features, such as event organizing and sharing life updates.

How does Verma highlight the power of social media in organizing significant events?

He references the Egyptian protests, explaining that the main platform for organizing these mass protests was Facebook, showing how social media can mobilize large-scale movements.

What is the stigma around older people and technology that Verma addresses?

He discusses the stereotype that older people are unwilling to learn about technology, which he argues is false, sharing examples of how the elderly are open to learning when given the opportunity.

What personal experience does Verma share about teaching older people technology?

He shares his experience working in an old age home where he taught elderly individuals how to use iPads, and he also mentions teaching his grandmother how to use a phone, who eventually became an active user of Facebook.

How does Verma’s grandmother's experience with technology change over time?

Initially unfamiliar with any technology, Verma’s grandmother quickly learned how to use a basic Nokia phone, and later, she became adept at using a smartphone and started sending Facebook messages and posting status updates.

What does Akar Verma encourage the audience to do at the end of his presentation?

He urges the audience to teach their grandparents or parents how to use phones and social media, emphasizing that it is an enjoyable and beneficial experience.

What point does Verma make about volunteer activities in old age homes?

He mentions that while many volunteers visit old age homes to entertain the elderly with music or readings, few take the time to teach them about technology, which is something that could be more valuable and impactful for them.