The present is a gift, let's spend more time enjoying it than recording it on phones


Early on Jan 1, Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi on X, formerly Twitter) shared this video that has since gone viral online with this caption: 'I normally don’t think much of these pictures showing people on smartphones but this video from last night in Paris is pretty wild.' The image was republished by 'India Today' and most mainstream newspapers worldwide.

Tell me, what was the first thing you reached for in 2024? Your phone? Well, you were not alone.

There’s a video of the 2024 New Year's countdown in Paris showing a huge sea of mobile phones – people were trying to capture the moment rather than actually live it. The video sparked a debate on social media, with critics saying the revellers were “not living in the moment” and that this was “dystopian”.

Celebrate Merdeka with 50% Off!
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM6.95 only

Billed as RM6.95 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM6.17/month

Billed as RM78 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Living

Malaysian craft beer Paperkite wins gold again at the World Beer Awards 2024
Relationships: Let’s talk about money, baby
Heart and Soul: This "haunted hill" is my favourite one
Heart and Soul: Doctors leaving a legacy of experiences
StarSilver: A guide to spotting and preventing online scams
How should I drive if I get caught in a thunderstorm?
Heart and Soul: Senior citizens who are proud to be Malaysians
Future foods: What will we be eating in 2034?
Fibreglass in oysters and mussels raises ecological and health concerns
Tips on having your dog in your bridal party

Others Also Read