JEDDAH, 26 December 2007 — The introduction of communication tools such as cell phones and the Internet are some of the vital and life-changing technological advances adopted by Saudis in the last decade. The availability of Wi-Fi Internet access to the Haj pilgrims this year was one such example of how the Kingdom is making good use of technology. But with all the benefits technology has brought, the country’s induction into what has been termed in technological jargon as the “global village” is being blamed for causing many families and friends to ironically disconnect during festive occasions.
“It used to be the tradition in every city of the Kingdom for people to dress up and visit close friends and family in the hopes of wishing them a happy and prosperous year to come, but nowadays I mainly see people sending quick e-mails or text messages to loved ones while rushing off to the malls, amusement parks or to the beachside resorts to have fun,” said Umamah Labban, a Saudi mother and primary school teacher.
“I agree,” said Baheja, a 70-year-old mother of five. “In the past we didn’t have SMS messaging or e-mail and I feel people were closer than they are today. We used to call our friends and family members, assign each one to bring something, and would meet to have a picnic at the beach or a dinner party in one of their homes. The women and men would sit and chat in their own groups while the children played together. This was what kept people connected in society.”
Dr. Lutfia Salman, a psychologist from Abha, said one shouldn’t be so quick to blame the lack of social ties on technology. She would rather blame people’s changing lifestyle.
“I believe that technology is being used to make people happier in letting them do things they want to do and at the same time still helping them connect with loved ones,” she told Arab News, citing the example of a friend who has been in a local beach resort for the past 10 days. “It would be difficult for her and her family to spoil their plans at the beach to stay home to visit so they send text messages to let everyone know that they are busy but haven’t forgotten those dear to them and, I think, this is positively the best way to use modern-day technology.”
“I don’t think the Saudi tradition of visiting during the Eid holidays is dying out due to technology,” said Khalood Mansour, a 31-year-old mother of two from Jeddah, who spoke to Arab News from Taif while visiting her husband’s family during Eid Al-Adha.
“We have family members here from Riyadh, Abha, Jeddah and other cities all getting together for the purpose of being together in celebrating Eid and this alone should prove that the tradition is still alive,” she said, adding that she has several friends who spent the holiday in the same manner.
Still others in the Kingdom have taken the use of technology steps further using the Internet to send donations to Islamic charities, such the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), in efforts to help the neediest Muslims around the globe.
“Many people have sent donations to WAMY this Eid Al-Adha from all over the world, which we use to organize events, publish literature and further help those in need, not just during the holiday but all year round,” said Najat Amer, a spokeswoman for WAMY in Jeddah, adding that they have yet to complete tallying the final amount of seasonal donations this year.
According to others, the Internet can be used to help the disabled and elderly during the Eid as well.
“It can be quite difficult and depressing for the elderly and the handicapped to not be able to share in the Eid festivities, especially those who can’t visit and are homebound,” said Sandra M., who has a disabled daughter. “The use of text messages and the Internet are the only windows they have to the outside world so of course it boosts their spirits when they send greeting cards to others wishing a ‘Blessed Eid.’ They know what they feel when they receive holiday cards themselves,” she said.
“To be honest, whether technology is being used to connect or disconnect from society remains and will always remain entirely in the hands of the user,” she concluded.
