Alan Watts once said, “Technology is destructive only in the hands of people who do not realize that they are one and the same process as the universe.”
This perspective invites us to look beyond the devices in our pockets or the machines we create, and instead examine the consciousness behind their use. Technology itself isn’t the enemy — the way we approach it is what matters most.
The Neutrality of Technology
Technology, like fire, electricity, or the written word, is neutral by nature. It has the potential to connect or divide, to inspire creativity or to dull awareness. A smartphone can open doors to learning, meditation apps, and global connection — or it can trap us in endless scrolling and comparison. The difference lies not in the device, but in the hands and minds of the user.
The Illusion of Separation
So why does technology often feel destructive? Because many of us forget that we are part of the same unfolding process as the universe. We treat technology as if it is outside of us, something foreign or even dangerous, rather than an extension of human imagination and intelligence. When we forget this unity, we misuse our tools — chasing validation, amplifying fear, or numbing our inner silence.
Conscious Use of Technology
The solution is not to reject technology, but to wake up to the way we use it. Ask yourself:
- Am I using this tool, or is it using me?
- Is this technology helping me connect, create, and grow — or is it pulling me further away from myself?
When we approach technology with mindfulness, it becomes a bridge instead of a barrier.
Practical Shifts for a Digital Age
Small conscious choices make a big difference:
- Set aside tech-free time to reconnect with nature or stillness.
- Use technology for learning and creating more than for distraction.
- Practice digital mindfulness — noticing how each interaction with a device makes you feel.
- Remember that behind every screen is another human soul, not just pixels.
A Return to Oneness
Technology is only destructive when it reflects our own disconnection. But when we remember that we are not separate from the universe — that we are the universe — our tools transform into allies. In this awareness, even technology becomes part of the greater dance of life, a way to extend our creativity and deepen our unity.
The real question isn’t whether technology is good or bad. The question is: Do we remember who we are while we use it?
