Stay true to your values
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION IN TODAY’S TECH DRIVEN WORLD?
It’s mainly through social media platforms such as Instagram (for the visuals) and Facebook (for the news). Instagram allows me to scroll through the latest style updates with ease and the fashion ideas it carries are immense.
Meanwhile, Facebook connects me to news developments that fit my interest because of its built-in algorithm. For instance, if you like a certain page, FB will feature updates relating to the page by default. Having said that, you need to put in more effort to get neutral coverage on a particular topic/issue.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF OUR SOCIETY TODAY AND THEIR HIGH-TECH GADGETS?
They definitely spend way too much time on it and are just fixated at getting self-validation through their social media accounts — definitely one of the downsides of being online. I also notice that many people tend to portray their characters differently when they network online than in person.
For instance, someone may paint himself or herself so well on social media (bubbly, outgoing etc) but in reality there is zero personality to a point where even saying a simple ‘hello’ is a major struggle. Encounters like these are definitely a bummer, especially when you look up to the person so much.
THE PROS AND CONS OF COMPUTER/INTERNET TECHNOLOGY?
Within the context of socialising — it’s 50-50. Pros include sharing significant moments in our lives with our followers to create awareness and to inspire (for good reasons of course). People are also more connected now that communication is literally at our fingertips.
I think the best way to embrace this kind of technology is by simply staying true to yourself. Instead of following passion (when leveraging on online opportunities regardless if it’s for business or personal gain), follow your purpose because it will help you achieve success without losing your values.
With followers comes ‘status’, so sometimes it's best to just get off that high horse. Even if you get a million hits, there is no harm at being friendly.
I personally find it puzzling when someone is not bothered about the people around him/her just because they have a huge following.
SHOULD WE HAVE A NATIONAL GADGET FREE DAY? WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU INDULGE IN?
I would be really happy and will look forward to it. It would be great to just take a break from our smartphones (not to avoid anyone in particular but just to get some peace) at least for a day.
I’m very much an outdoor enthusiast so I will definitely participate in any activity along that line.
Personally I feel blessed for the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds equally (with/without technology). People really need to go outside more and I would be happy to advocate it.
WHAT KIND OF DIGITAL INNOVATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE?
Since I like taking pictures/videos, it would be interesting to see something that can help drones (or any innovation with similar functions) become more accessible to the wider market (being user-friendly and above all else, affordable) and not just an exclusive toy for hobbyists.