Keep it Simple; or should we?

It's amazing how technology has infiltrated everyday lives. The Internet is a case in point, and so is electronic mail or email, which is slowly becoming the basis of all our communication.

The Internet's journey so far has been fascinating. Today, there's precious little that remains untouched by the Internet.

But as I talk of the Internet and email, cannot help but think of the other day when I chanced upon some old letters whilst clearing my drawers. As I scoured the contents, nostalgia gripped me, and my thoughts meandered into the past -- all those times spent with friends and loved ones.

As I neatly put away those letters, it struck me -- what if letters were rendered defunct some day -- thanks to the onslaught of modern technology.

However distant, the thought frightened me.

For, the humble letter, to my mind, is one of the simplest, most enduring forms of communication. Ask any old timer, and the preference for penning a letter or even a small note will shine through, vis-a-vis sending an email or SMS or instant message, whatever the case might be.

For starters, a lot of people, who aren't exactly born and brought up on computers, are too hot about the numerous possibilities of technology. They may know how to send email or surf the Internet but are likely to find good old pen and paper an incredibly more user-friendly option. Not that they are intimidated, but maybe, they don't find email or SMS as warm and personal as the letter.

I am not for a moment saying that all those 'uncles' and 'aunties' should act like a throwback to the generation we live in. In fact, I'm all for learning and updating, and living in step with the times. For god's sake, who wants to be called an old fogey?

But I do lament the loss of simplicity, and all things simple.

Take the instance of 'Generation Now'. From a young age, they're fed on a diet of all things technology. Computers are an intrinsic part of academic curricula today.

Why would these young guns feel the need to write when they can get instant gratification via email/SMS/IM. They might just turn around and say, "Who's got the time for all that?"

I fear these people may soon find it difficult to do simple things like writing on a piece of paper with a pen. And, writing a letter is just the tip of the iceberg. A lot of simple pleasures may soon vanish, thanks to the sheer pace of things.

Would it be any substitute then -- technology, for all its pace and innovation and modernity!