Internet addiction: A clinical problem?
I was really captivated while reading the story about the dangers of the technology obsessed generation (‘Can you cope without the internet?,’ Gulf News, October 25). Being a teenager, I was able to relate to this article and I understood how the internet affects my own life and surroundings, where people are addicted to technology. Everywhere we go, be it parks, malls or parties, we see people glued to screens. I also felt as an individual, that it is our duty to understand the danger that lurks in the use of technology and we should create awareness amongst ourselves to protect our future generations.
I feel internet addiction is turning into a clinical problem and people should help their selves in finding out ways to overcome it. I thank Gulf News for often creating awareness amongst our screen-savvy society.
From Mr Parvathi Sreeraj
Dubai
Many solutions
First of all, thanks for pointing out the present internet attitude of society. I think it depends how the internet is being used in both business and personal lifestyles. It will especially affect a lonely person or some one with a certain attitude towards the internet. I agree with the psychologist in the story’s points on its dangers because some of my friends are always saying that they cannot live without the internet, which is a very dangerous and serious social issue. My personal opinion is that it’s a very simple issue with a lot of alternative solutions available. We’re not going to isolate ourselves from society or from our family if we go one day without internet. Even a decade ago, we dealt without this much contact.
Look around at the environment and nature, read books, listen to music. The more we do these things, the more able we become to fill the gap.
From Mr Ganesh Pillai
UAE
Important to be without
I disagree with this story and I feel that the statement that we cannot live without the internet is an exaggeration. My family has never had an internet connection and I think we are surviving just fine. Not having the internet has helped me develop an interest for reading the newspaper and having other hobbies rather than spending my time chatting with known and unknown people on Facebook or Twitter. It’s not like I live in the prehistoric times and believe that people shouldn’t be connected, seeing as I do have social media accounts. Even now, I am sending this from my friend’s house and I plan to browsing the internet for a while once I send my email.
From Mr Aswathy Thayyil
Sharjah
A wonderful hobby
Gulf News’s stamp collection article was really informative (‘Emirati’s love affair with stamps spans 44 years,’ Gulf News, October 25). I have been collecting stamps for the past two years. It is really wonderful. It can be very difficult to collect stamps because of the latest technology in SMS, email, telephones, mobiles and internet. But, I consider myself lucky since I get stamps from my relatives and grandparents from India. They store stamps for me and I collect them whenever I visit. Now it has become one of my favourite hobbies.
Stamp collection is interesting and educational because we can learn more about a country’s ancient monuments, famous historical events, political leaders, freedom fighters and national animals. I really want to keep my stamps very safe and I hope that I can keep collecting more and continue this beautiful hobby.
From Ms Neola Castelino
Sharjah
Fading away
Stamp collecting is a noble hobby in a society where folks are so obsessed with gadgets and social media. Stamps are fading away day by day as email and instant chats become more popular for communication - I am using these means of communication more frequently as well.
From Mr Tom Thounaojam
Medog County, Papua New Guinea
Facebook comment
Consumers are happy
To my understanding the scenario of an artificial fall in the oil price by increasing output, created by the US is aimed at achieving multiple objectives (‘UAE markets to be more stable next week as investors eye Q3 results,’ Gulf News, October 25). I think it has been succeeding to a great extent. With the decline in oil prices, the economy of Russia will deteriorate further and it will also hinder a main source of Daesh’s finances - smuggling crude oil will become a less lucrative industry. Even though the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) supply more than 40 per cent of global oil demands, this time also their role in price determination has been side lined. The break-even prices are varying with producing countries and this shows how it is hardly hitting the price dip in their respective economies. Saudi Arabia’s optimism of recovering the loss in the near future will remain a dream given the volatility in the market outlined in the article. While OPEC members are struggling to manage their economy during this crisis, consumer countries are rejuvenating their economy with a surplus of foreign exchange reserves. The oil producers are very sad and the consumers very happy.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Abusing privileges
It is a sad thing to note that Diwali has caused a lot of destruction in different areas with the amount of pollution fireworks have caused this year. The aftermath was immense and the remains of the firecrackers that people lit off on Diwali were scattered around the place and made the city look extremely filthy and dusty. The smoke that was emitted during the process was also terrible. People actually get choking problems and asthma because of this.
It was a terrible sight looking at the municipality workers cleaning the roads with so effort. The firecrackers not only caused air pollution, but also created a lot of noise pollution. The sounds of them were deafening. The police was indeed doing a great job, but no one was ready to listen to them on this occasion. From next year onwards, strict rules should be made so that citizens stop misusing the freedom and opportunities given by the UAE authorities by lighting off fireworks in residential areas. It should be banned.
From Ms Sai Madhurya
UAE
Creating other metro links
As per your article about traffic congestion, I want to give some other suggestions to reduce traffic in peak hours (‘Dubai’s traffic congestion needs urgent attention,’ Gulf News, October 26). The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should build a walkway connected to more metro stations, the same like the walkway to the Dubai Mall.
If there were walkways to various metro stations from apartment blocks, I feel that residents would use these walkways in order to save time and avoid traffic congestion. In some areas, there are more than five schools in the surrounding area, so a walkway bridge connecting to schools would allow children to use the metro stations. In the morning hours, traffic congestion, I feel, is largely due to school buses or private cars dropping children off at school. I think these walkways could reduce school traffic up to 50 per cent.
From Mr Shoaib Karodi
UAE
Paki-stunning!
The Pakistani test cricket team, having made the Gulf it’s second home since the cessation of the games in their home terrain, have indeed been blessed with some surprise victories here (‘Babar and Yasir spin out Australia for huge win,’ Gulf News, October 27)! After losing three-matches to Australia, they bounced back with an emphatic trouncing of the top test teams – satisfying a form card showing that they have never lost a test after batting first, and securing a handsome lead!
Packed with a few rookies, interspersed with the services of veteran Younis Khan, they drew first blood. It is inconsistency that has made them the most unpredictable team in cricketing history! Maintaining this 1-0 lead should be their immediate goal.
From Mr A. R. Modak
Johannesburg
Mourning a loss
The late Christophe de Margerie, CEO of French oil giant Total, was a true leader who left this world suddenly with an everlasting impression of human values, professionalism and personal charisma (‘Top airport managers resign, four more staff detained for plane crash of Total CEO,’ Gulf News, October 24). For all of those who have met him and associated with him in one way or other from the UAE, he was very special to be with. He was in the forefront of major events like the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) and Formula1 by his graceful presence and contribution for their success.
A true champion with a towering presence among leaders and with the higher authorities, his memories will live forever. He was famous for his quick wits and the way he spoke to the media and higher ups with a pleasant smile and warm handshake.
I take this opportunity to offer sincere prayers to his departed soul, deepest sympathies to his wife, children and all his colleagues who mourn his untimely departure.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
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