TV Once United Families — Smartphones Pulled them Apart
TV was often called the “idiot box,” but it had its advantages. It brought the whole family together in the living room to laugh, talk, argue, and simply spend time together, all while watching the same screen. In that sense, TV acted as a tool for family unity. But times have changed. Platforms like YouTube have taken over, and the result is the complete opposite. Family members now retreat to their own rooms and stare at their own screens. Even at the dinner table, each person looks at their smartphone. Conversation has disappeared. Even making eye contact has become rare.
TV and a Revolution in Child-Rearing
The arrival of television was revolutionary, especially in easing the burden of parenting. Parents could sit their children in front of the TV and take care of other tasks for a while. Critics argued that TV could turn children into fools, but it also gave parents a chance to catch their breath after work or take care of household chores. It’s a rare luxury.
Short-Form Content and the Collapse of Critical Thinking
Today, smartphones have completely replaced television. With thousands of channels tailored to individual tastes, content has become shorter and faster. Short-form videos lure viewers with friendly narration and provocative pacing. The problem is that this is undermining our ability to think. People struggle to understand anything without an explanation. They can’t follow long narratives. Without constant stimulation, even daily life feels dull. Smartphones are becoming the modern-day opium.
Without Control, There Is No Future
A nation’s competitiveness depends on the thinking power of its people. In a country like Korea, where human capital is everything, critical thinking is even more crucial. Just as the Qing Dynasty collapsed under the weight of opium addiction, a society addicted to smartphones will lose its edge and fall behind. What we need now is control and restraint. If we leave things unchecked in the name of individual freedom, we will soon witness our own downfall.
