Putting technology to good use

The short message service (SMS) via mobile phones is seen as the technology that has left a profound mark in Malaysia this year. The use of SMS escalated when local television stations organised reality shows, calling for viewers to pick their favourite contestants. The service providers have captured on the growing interest by offering numerous SMS services. But as such technology influence the life of the people especially the young, experts are beginning to raise the alarm. They say it can be a backlash to being hyper-accesible by e-mail, instant message, cell phone calls and text-messaging. People are spending more and more time in front of the computer screen or fritzing with techonological devices. Experts say the key is using technology to enhance life and taking a step back when it doesn't. "You need to have it rather than it having you", says Michelle Weil, co-author of Technostress: Coping with Technology@Work@Home@Play.