The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced to external sources “I do not know my own condition; I have heard from others that I am troubled.”

These lines by Asif Usmani indicate that human beings have now moved far away from the
process of knowing and understanding themselves. The truth is that today, external
sources have become dominant in determining our abilities, thoughts, and goals. In place
of self-exploration, technological means such as social media and television are now
taking over this process.
A question arises: Is knowing oneself really so important? The answer is that until we know
our true self, it is not easy to understand others. Knowledge of oneself brings a person
closer to the essence of being human. There is a difference between knowledge and
information. What we gain from within, by exploring ourselves, is knowledge. What we learn
from the outside world is information. Most people possess a great deal of information, but
very little real knowledge. Before knowing what we will become, it is necessary to know
what we are. Only by identifying and understanding ourselves can we shape the future that
still lies dormant within us.
Due to the influence of modern technology, human beings are becoming unaware of
themselves. Their condition has become like a boat whose boatman is lost, yet it somehow
keeps moving here and there with the support of the waves.
New inventions in technology have provided us with so many facilities that we have
become dependent on them. It seems difficult to live even for a moment without these
conveniences. Computers and mobile phones have made us almost helpless without
them. We feel incapable of performing many tasks in their absence. From Artificial
Intelligence (AI) to machines, technology is influencing our decisions. Machines track us at
every step. Our preferences, thoughts, ideas, and personal information are being used as
data. Large business companies are not only earning money through this data but are also
influencing our desires and decisions. Social media platforms such as Facebook and
Twitter are affecting our political and economic thinking. In such a situation, it may take a
long time to regain the things that truly make us human—our free will and independence.
Buddha, while emphasizing the importance of knowing oneself, said, “Appa Deepo Bhava”,
which means “Be a light unto yourself.” This enables a person to make decisions regarding
the purpose of life and moral or ethical questions independently. It challenges the
monopoly of a small intellectual class over knowledge and morality and gives every
individual an opportunity to participate in these areas. As a result, a person gains
confidence by understanding his or her own abilities and moves forward on the path of life.
When every individual in society begins to think independently, all forms of rigidity and
personality worship face a serious challenge. Such societies witness greater innovation
because every individual is able to develop his or her creativity. However, in the age of
technology, the tendency to imitate often appears to dominate creativity, which, in many
ways, becomes a major obstacle to innovation
Human beings are not only intelligent creatures but also emotional beings. With the help of
their understanding, they have discovered the mysteries of nature, and technology has
assisted them in this task. From primitive humans to technological humans, people have
used technology to make their lives better. Whether it was the technology of making fire or
the invention of the wheel, all such technologies opened new dimensions in the
development of civilization. In the context of technological inventions, the invention of the
potter’s wheel was a revolutionary technology of its time, which helped people make
symmetrical pots. It was from here that mechanised work began and the decline of the
independent creativity of human hands started.
People earlier used to make pots with their own hands and could give them different
artistic forms according to their creative abilities. However, with the invention of the wheel,
it became possible to produce many pots of uniform shape through a single method. As a
result, uniqueness began to disappear. The potter’s creativity became limited only to the
proper use of the wheel and maintaining the right balance of clay. He sold his individuality
in making different kinds of pots. Instead of being an artist and creator, he gradually
remained merely a craftsman. This process continued to be repeated in many arts through
new technologies. Consumers certainly benefited from this, but the artist first turned into a
craftsman and eventually into a labourer, thereby selling away his creativity.
Development, whether of a nation or an individual, is connected in many ways with the
proper growth of technology and its advancement. For human existence and progress, it is
necessary that science and technology be used in every aspect of life. It cannot be ignored
that new inventions have benefited us greatly, and technology has made human life very
easy, simple, and interesting. Social media appears to be a very effective means for
exercising our fundamental rights, where we enjoy our basic right to freedom of expression
and where everyone openly expresses their opinions, disregarding differences of caste,
birth, and geographical location.
Adolescence is a stage when young people try to establish their identity and find their place
in society. A study has shown that those young people who express their views on social
media experience a sense of “better progress.” Mental health specialists and researchers
often use social media to collect data, which contributes to their studies. Social media has
provided a large population with an opportunity to express their feelings in support of one
another.
The expression and proper use of creative emotions, thoughts, or energy can produce
highly positive effects. It connects young people with the world of ideas and possibilities. It
cannot be denied that every technology has both positive and negative aspects. However,
technology should be used not only for the upliftment of human life but in such a manner
that its benefits are available to all living beings and to nature as well.
What is the purpose of our life? If we wish to find the answer to this question, the search
must begin within ourselves. Only after understanding ourselves can we properly use the
knowledge obtained from the world; otherwise, such knowledge merely nourishes our ego.
To know oneself is the highest stage of knowledge. Without knowing oneself, one cannot
attain the meaningfulness of life. At the same time, it cannot be denied that knowledge
received from others may sometimes be more harmful than beneficial if it is not supported
by one’s own experience.
To discover one’s true self is a wonderful educational experience. However, when we
remain unaware of who we are, it becomes difficult to search for ourselves. Attaining the
self is not easy, but it is certainly worth striving for. Self-confidence is an essential element
in attaining the self. Who am I? This should be a question that a person keeps asking
throughout life. Such a tendency will surely bring human beings closer to nature, provided
that the search for the self does not become completely dependent on technology.