When Parents go Digital

It wasn't long ago when our parents decided to update themselves on the technology of latest gadgets and social media. Once in a while they may remind us of how successfully they endured life without these; however, the changes brought about in their lives by technology are undeniable.

Single or double click? 
While there are few parents who are adept at using technology (in some cases better than their kids), many of them are still new to it. Teaching them can be a fun activity to bond over. They try to catch up with the trends through regular selfies, hashtags and posts about the highlights of their day. Like every newbie, they will bombard you with questions, at times repetitive.

Once I was directing my mom on the phone to mail me a file. From finding the doc to sending it, she asked me if she had to double tap or single tap at every step. The struggle is real, I tell you.

What are you hiding?
When it comes to families in Bangladesh, don't be surprised if you are asked why your gadgets aren't accessible. Although they mean the best, our parents perceive locking phones and having a different user account on the computer as "subversive" activities. It might sound annoying, but you can always patiently explain why you need privacy to save the family from mini heart attacks.

Down memory lane
As the most concerned stakeholders of your life, your parents will warn you about the harms of sharing personal details on internet. However, you can open an account for them and in no time, they will tell you stories of their old classmates they had just connected with on Facebook. Occasionally you'll realise they were crazy young people just like you as you scroll through the photos on their timeline.

That awkward messaging
The people who will go on sacrificing the last piece of murgi'r raan for you might have to tackle the touchscreen phones someday. Unable to fit their fingers in the small space of every letter on the keypad, they will send you random emojis over Whatsapp. They might even text you from the next room to tell you dinner's ready.

When I was out of the country for the first time, everyday my parents would send me the most formal mails.

"Dear Moe, if you get the chance, buy good perfumes – preferably from duty free shops at the airport. I miss you – Mum." The rare exchange of emotions are at times awkward, but they are the sweetest.

Pass your secret formula
One fine morning you introduce your parents to Google. You'll realise you haven't been disturbed for a while because they are searching for images of their village and watching Eid-er Natok on YouTube. They are already worried about your sibling catching a cold in -2 degrees celsius in Sydney because Wikipedia has told them everything about Australia.

Parents' adapting to technology might sound dreadful, but they do have a blast in exploring a new world. 

Myat Moe is an occasional philosopher whose favorite pastime is confusing people with her nationality. Reach her at 145michelle@gmail.com