I spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn't resist myself and asked... ''Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?'' ''Why would I do that?'' He asked... ''Well, then you won't have to spend an hour here for things like making a transfer. You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!'' I was so excited about initiating him into the world of Net banking. He asked ''If I do that, I won't have to step out of the house?” ''Yes, yes''! I said. I told him how even groceries can be delivered to your door now and how Amazon delivers everything! His answer left me tongue-tied. He said ''Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted awhile with the staff who know me very well by now. You know, I am alone...this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time, it is the physical touch that I crave. Two years back, I got sick. The store owner from whom I bought fruits, came to see me, and sat by my bedside and cried. When your Mom fell down a few days back while on her morning walk, our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where I live. Would I have that 'human' touch if everything became online? Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer? I like to know the person that I'm dealing with and not just the 'seller'. It creates bonds of Relationships. Does Amazon deliver all this as well?''' Technology isn't life.. Spend time with people .. Not with devices. Credits: Unknown
@alvinfoo @nisheethsharan That's my dad talking... :)
@alvinfoo I sometimes relate to this perspective. Am I old already! 😊
@alvinfoo That thought process so well describes my late father in law. A true offline warrior ! Took me a while to see things his way!
Your dad prefers going to the bank & shopping in person because he values the human interaction & connection he gets there. He enjoys meeting friends & chatting with familiar faces. He believes that real-life interactions create meaningful relationships, like when the store owner visited him when he was sick or when the grocer helped your mom. He worries that relying too much on online services might take away these personal connections. So, he chooses to spend time with people rather than just with devices. Thanks for sharing such a thought provoking story. 🙏🏻
@alvinfoo Dear grand pa use tech to upskill yourself and reach more on social networking.
@alvinfoo For older people, having these types of relationships is therapy. It is true and real.
@alvinfoo Actually, our PM Narendra Modi has advocated #vocalforlocal over online practices. We purchase from our immediate neighborhood stores. We give businesses to our neighborhood people. We do use online banking but at the same time prefer paying by UPI to local vendors
@alvinfoo I am a banker and we very well understand and accommodate the social need of senior citizens to visit our branches. Some of my colleagues also dropped provisions at the door of senior citizen customers during Covid lockdown.