Why Feminism Still Matters Today

The Impact of Technology on Human Connection

In the ever-evolving banquet of human civilization, each new guest brings with it a mix of benefits and challenges. While these guests may offer advancements and conveniences, they often come at the cost of something deeply human: the warmth of genuine connection, particularly within the family unit.

Alexander Graham Bell, the Scotsman who patented the telephone in 1876, understood this early on. He refused to have a telephone in his study, sensing the potential for his invention to distance him from the very people he loved. However, he could never have predicted the profound impact that the mobile phone would have on human relationships. Invented by Martin Cooper in 1973, the mobile phone transformed the way we interact, often leading to a loss of direct, meaningful connections.

The radio once brought people together in shared moments of silence, while television initially united families around its screen. Yet, the mobile phone has taken this transformation further, disrupting the fabric of human interaction in ways that are difficult to reverse.

A Generation Stripped of Human Connection

Today’s children grow up in a world where mobile phones are as common as toys. Some children as young as three years old have their phones next to their pillows, while their mothers rush to them with devices to soothe their cries. This generation is fundamentally different from those before them, shaped by a lack of natural childhood experiences and an overreliance on technology.

Human connection is the cornerstone of a child's development. From the moment a child is born, their awareness of the world begins to unfold. The more direct human warmth they receive—through breastfeeding, being held, played with, and surrounded by the voices of their family—the more their consciousness develops. This foundation shapes their behavior and relationships throughout their lives.

The Destructive Effects of Mobile Phones

The most damaging aspect of mobile phones is their ability to sever a child's relationship with others. They distance children from language, robbing them of the joy of speaking and being heard. A child addicted to a phone becomes isolated, losing the essential tools needed to love and be loved, to belong and be belonged to.

Mothers, whether young or old, who encourage their children to form addictive relationships with phones or iPads are committing a serious act against their children. They are removing them from healthy human interactions and placing them in a disordered relationship with machines. This relationship can have lasting consequences, potentially leading to misery and loss.

Legislative Steps to Protect Children

In 2026, "The Guardian" reported that the British government planned to ban mobile phones in schools as part of landmark legislation to protect children. While such measures are crucial, the responsibility lies primarily with the family, especially the mother.

A Call to Action for Mothers

Dear mother, I urge you to take the mobile phone away from your child. Give him back your eyes, your voice, and your embrace. By doing so, you are not only protecting him but also giving him the most precious gift: the ability to know how to be a human being.

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