LETTERS: In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and an insatiable need for instant gratification, impatience has become a hallmark of society.
News updates, social media notifications and instant messages have conditioned us to expect immediate answers and swift problem-solving.
This constant connectivity has eroded our tolerance for waiting, making us accustomed to instant solutions, whether it's streaming a movie, ordering food or finding an answer to a question.
This trend is evident even in simple human interactions. For instance, children increasingly turn to social media platforms and information resources for knowledge, often sidelining their parents, who feel an invisible discomfort as their traditional role is diminished.
Our dependence on information media platforms has also blurred the lines between truth and post-truth. The constant barrage of updates, likes and comments fosters impatience and diminishes our capacity for deep thought.
We often skim articles, scroll past lengthy posts and prefer bite-sized content that can be quickly consumed. Impatience extends beyond digital communication, affecting various facets of daily life.
In the workplace, the expectation of instant responses to emails and messages blurs the lines between work and personal time, increasing stress levels and limiting the time available for thoughtful decision-making.
In personal relationships, the demand for instant communication can lead to miscommunication and conflict, disrupting the dynamics of interaction.
This cultural shift towards impatience threatens to upend longstanding traditions, cultural norms and political discourse.
Patience, once a cornerstone of human interaction and societal development, is being replaced by a demand for immediate gratification.
This change could lead to rash, short-term decision-making in politics and governance, with leaders succumbing to populist pressures rather than engaging in strategic, long-term thinking.
The rise of impatience can also lead to us losing our temper easily and calls for a reconsideration of how we communicate and make decisions. It is hoped that this is not a new normal.
A potential solution lies in fostering open dialogue about this issue across various platforms — schools, universities and organisations.
By acknowledging and addressing the problem, we can begin to reclaim the value of patience in our current fast-paced world.
DR TALAIBEK MUSAEV
Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
