Intextication

The ‘Urban Dictionary’ is a compendium of slang words in usage at USA, some of which are embarrassing. It introduced the word ‘intexicated’ and interpreted its meaning as ‘texting in a drunken state’. I inserted the letter ‘t’ within ‘intexicated’ and evolved the word ‘intextication’. I felt it had more meaning to it in the present scenario. It’s a word having no etymology to it in any dictionary. I coined this word combining the ‘act of texting’, and the ‘irresistible urge’ of the Mobile Phone users to indulge in extensive texting in WhatsApp. Of course, it is an undisputed fact that there are many amazing uses of the WhatsApp, such as sharing photographs of celebrations while connecting with your near and dear; making WhatsApp calls during poor network connectivity; forwarding scanned or photographed documents; and many more.

The smart phone has become the best companion to the retired, but I saw some parents giving the smart phone to toddlers as toys to keep them occupied. In my case, it was texting that possessed me. I was tempted to indulge in a massive list of extravagant activities that not only consumed my valuable time, but also made me lose focus on vital issues. That was how ‘intextication’ has caught up with me. So also, with all age groups from the present-day school going children to octogenarians.

In the beginning I circulated messages and information without even reasoning whether such a message was genuine or not. I too became a victim of social media promotions that played with my emotions unknowingly. I used to circulate in a frenzy, to be the first to post it to friends and associates. Well, that was the basic temptation. My impulsive actions and responses without reasoning were definitely in the making. It made me a slave to my smart phone.

A few years ago, there was a huge commotion when the Rs 500 & Rs 1000 currency notes were demonetised and, in their place, the Rs 2000 note was introduced. I received a message that the Indian Government had installed a ‘nano’ chip in the new Rs 2000/- currency note as an innovative money-trail exercise; and immediately I forwarded it to some of my contacts. A day later, a retired Army Officer who had immense experience in satellite tracking technologies and who happened to be the Secretary of our Residential community, was kind enough to correct me that such currency with a nano chip was next to impossible and explained me why it was so. I realised my stupidity for having circulated the message without ascertaining its truth. I had learnt my lesson and from then on, I took a pledge to restrict my activity in the WhatsApp only to a few necessities.

Then comes the canvassing of opinions by a few dominant groups associated in different activities or franchises. One gets easily trapped in flattery. There are many symbols which not only elate the person praised making him proud for nothing. Immersed in flattery is also a sort of intoxication, for the ‘flattered one’ loses his senses. Further, any casual texting without imagining the reactions might lead to embarrassing circumstances. The conflict of opinions leads to spike in emotions, and thereafter a deluge of abuses follows. Resulting in loss of peace.

I observed that in groups or associations, different sections are formed; one overpowering the other. The opinions of less in number, even though fair, are snubbed. It’s a discussion in a dark room, and the repercussions of responding whether reasonable or not, might rob mental peace. I refrained from giving opinions or likes or dislikes in WhatsApp groups since past four years and preferred to exit from many groups except from those related to my profession, where I remained only as an observer in unrelated issues. Associations are formed to exchange information and share profound knowledge, but as time goes on, the narrative is lost. The objective in forming such groups is diluted. One particular group gets patronage and dominates the mood.

To cure this vice, I found an antidote, which I named as ‘text-fasting’. My fasting pledge started with a day, then continued for a week. In between my right-hand index finger was eager to respond to some messages or to forward some media postings. It was uncontrollable in the beginning to tighten the temptation with the girdle of will; but slowly over a period of time the reasoning conquered. Since then, I have put the urge of ‘intextication’ strictly on my ‘not-to-do’ checklist and regained peace.