With information technology in full swing, everything seems to just click away. This is especially true in terms of banking.
In the past, we had to go to the bank to do such transactions as depositing checks and withdrawing money. Although it is still being practiced, most people these days just extract money through automated teller machines (ATMs).
This method may be good for the younger generations, but to senior citizens, it seems to be more of a liability rather than an asset. Let me share a story which I read recently in my social media account.
A thirtysomething man spent an hour in the bank with his father as he had to transfer some money. He couldn’t resist asking his father why he is still doing such a thing. “Why don’t you activate your internet banking,” the son told his father, who replied why he needed to do that.
“Well,” the son said, “then you won’t have to spend an hour here for things like transfer. You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be easy.”
The son, who’s already married, was so excited about initiating his father into the world of online banking. “If I do that, I won’t have to step out of the house?” the father asked.
The son answered affirmatively. He even told him that even groceries can be delivered at the door and how Shopee or Lazada deliver everything. The father faced his son and said these words:
“Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends. I have chatted a while with the staff, who know me very well by now. You know, I am alone now, and this is the bank that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time, and it is the physical touch that I crave.
“Two years ago, I got sick. The store owner from whom I buy canned goods came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried. When your mother fell down a few days back while on her morning walk, our local grocer saw her and immediately got in his car to rush her home as he knows where I live.
“Would I have that ‘human touch’ if everything became online? Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer? I like to know the person that I’m dealing with and not just the ‘seller.’ It creates bonds of relationships.”
So many people reacted – mostly positive. “So true and I think more people should be thinking like this instead of letting machines do the thinking for them. I am for going into the bank, stores, etc. so I can actually see that humans still exist,” wrote one.
Another one wrote: “When it was time for my father to say farewell, his bank helped my mother so much. The staff adored my parents and helped my mother and family out so much. My mother was grieving for her mate and loving husband after 70 years of happy marriage so the help was so appreciated and greatly required.”
Still, another wrote: “The younger generations think nothing of living their lives through the internet. My sentiment is the same about life, living the old way – interacting with humans.”
“Every word is so true and I feel the same way,” a woman said.
“Absolutely beautiful derivation of ill effects of internet banking and online procurement,” another added. “Internet has totally taken away our physical activities and human touch.”
A retired professor wrote: “Absolutely positively true. As we get older, we need to stay in touch with all friends, family, and all humans personally – face to face. Sitting at home by yourself can be oh so lonely.”
“So true,” another retiree agreed. “That’s why I think those who do everything online are missing many pleasures. I’m a people person and love talking with my old and new friends face to face.”
There was also some negative feedback. “Quite true but this overpopulation, rush life, long queue, and parking being a nightmare, it’s heaven sent that one can do most of these boring chores online,” one commented.
Another commented: “I do a little online shopping and I’m pleased we have it and can pay bills online. But nothing beats going out to do things, business or pleasure.”
Online banking is good, but there are some disadvantages, too. You can’t do online business if the server is down or when there is brownout. If you have some questions, no one can answer you.
Watch out for phishing and identity thieves!
