Technology is Disease

INTRODUCTION: THE INVISIBLE INVASION OF MODERN TOOLS

In the last 50 years, the Indian middle-class home has transformed beyond recognition.

What was once simple, natural, and connected to soil and season is now complicated, wired, plastic-wrapped, and remote-controlled.

We didn’t realize when chairs replaced the floor,

ACs replaced windows,

screens replaced people,

and machines replaced instincts.

Every room — the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, puja room, even the womb — has been quietly colonized by products we never needed before.

From Teflon pans to treadmills, diapers to doorbells, water purifiers to whitening creams — we brought in “convenience,” but also cost, illness, confusion, and dependence.

This article uncovers over 100 tools and technologies now present in most Indian homes.

You will recognize every one of them.

But for the first time, you will also see what they have taken away.

This is not a war against innovation.

It is a call to wake up —

before we become inmates in our own smart homes,

rich in appliances, but poor in life.

1. HOME CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE TOOLS

Cement and Concrete Roofs replaced mud, stone, or lime roofs starting in the 1970s–80s. While they offer durability, they also trap heat, cause sweating, block earthing, and increase the need for fans and AC. Many Indian homes became oven-like without realizing it.

Plastic Water Tanks (Syntax, etc.) entered urban homes in the 1980s–90s. They are cheap and easy to install, but under sunlight, they release plastic particles and chemical residues into stored water, especially in summer. Earlier, water was stored in copper, brass, or stone pots that cooled naturally and even enhanced mineral content.

Aluminium Sliding Windows became fashionable from the 1990s. They are sleek and maintenance-free but completely ruined air circulation. Indian homes once had large wooden windows with mosquito mesh and top ventilation — today’s glass-box homes are suffocating because of this “upgrade.”

POP and False Ceilings came in the 2000s as part of urban interior design. But they reduce ceiling height, trap heat, and worsen air circulation. Instead of natural cooling, they push people towards fans and ACs, draining energy and money.

Vitrified Tiles and Granite Flooring, in use since the 1980s, are hard, cold, slippery, and painful for knees. They replaced soft red oxide and mud floors that absorbed moisture, gave warmth, and supported joint health.

PVC Plumbing and Plastic Fixtures arrived in the 1980s–90s, replacing copper and brass. They are quick and cheap to install, but they break easily, are hard to repair, and can contaminate water with microplastics.

Chemical Paints and Wall Putty became standard in the 1990s. Unlike traditional lime wash which absorbed toxins, modern paints release VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can cause headaches, asthma, and irritation — especially in children.

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2. FURNITURE & POSTURE DEVICES

Plastic and Steel Chairs replaced the floor in the 1980s onward. Chairs may look civilized but they destroyed the Indian body. Sitting on chairs tightens hips, weakens knees, compresses the spine, and shuts down natural peristalsis. Squatting was healthier, more flexible, and digestion-friendly.

Recliners and Sofa Sets, which spread from the 1990s, encouraged lazy lounging and chronic sitting. The average Indian man now spends hours glued to the TV in one fixed position, leading to varicose veins, weight gain, and collapsed posture.

Dining Tables became standard since the 1980s in urban homes. Traditional families ate on the floor together — enhancing digestion, bonding, and body posture. Tables have split families into scattered, distracted eating.

Office Chairs and Study Desks, introduced in homes since the 2000s, promoted sedentary education and work. Postural deformities, eye strain, and lack of natural movement became common in children and adults alike.

Mattress-Style Sofas and Cushioned Beds replaced roll-up cotton bedding. They caused poor spinal support and over-dependence on comfort, while older setups promoted adaptability and efficient living.

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3. KITCHEN & COOKING APPLIANCES

LPG Stoves became widespread post-1980s. While they replaced wood smoke, they also released invisible benzene and other pollutants indoors. Unlike chulhas, gas cooking in closed kitchens created toxic buildup without people realizing it.

Pressure Cookers, introduced earlier but popularized in the 1970s–80s, made cooking fast but also destroyed nutrient density. Long-soaked, slow-cooked meals were healthier but replaced in the name of speed.

Microwave Ovens, marketed heavily in the 2000s, have been shown to degrade nutrients and increase food acidity. Most Indian homes now reheat packaged food in plastic boxes, exposing families to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Induction Cooktops, recent in the 2010s, are efficient but increase EMF radiation exposure and separate people further from the “feel” of cooking. Cooking was once a sensory and mindful process; now it's just buttons and beeping.

Non-Stick Cookware, boomed in the 1990s, especially Teflon-coated pans, which release toxic fumes when scratched or overheated. Traditional cast iron, bronze, and earthen pots were replaced by cancer-linked surfaces.

Electric Kettles and Rice Cookers made daily life convenient but brought more plastic and heating coils into food contact. These devices are rarely cleaned properly and are often used with poor quality water.

Mixer-Grinders, while helpful, also destroyed the tradition of hand grinding, which was therapeutic, meditative, and used the whole body. Now, nutrients oxidize faster and people are disconnected from ingredients.

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4. FOOD PRESERVATION & PACKAGING TOOLS

Refrigerators, which exploded in popularity post-1980s, changed food habits entirely. Fermented foods were replaced by cold leftovers. People began cooking in bulk and storing instead of eating fresh. This affected digestion and gut health.

Plastic Tupperware and Airtight Boxes replaced brass, copper, and clay containers in the 1990s–2000s. Though spill-proof, they leach chemicals into food and especially oil-based dishes. They also broke the habit of mindful storage.

Aluminium Foil, Cling Film, and Plastic Wraps, promoted in the 2000s, are chemical-laden packaging materials that react with heat and acidity. School lunchboxes became wrapped hazards.

Plastic Grocery Bags and Packaged Food Covers became common since the 1990s. This has caused massive environmental pollution and microplastic entry into our food chain.

Commercial Freezers and Cold Storage Vegetables, especially post-2000s, brought mass-produced, nutritionless food to middle-class homes. People began eating tasteless peas and off-season fruits with zero vitality.

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5. PERSONAL CARE & GROOMING PRODUCTS

Shampoos and Liquid Body Washes, mass-advertised from the 1980s–90s, replaced shikakai and homemade powders. These contain SLS, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that disrupt hormones and cause skin dryness.

Toothpaste with Fluoride and Whitening Agents, promoted heavily from the 1970s onward, replaced salt-charcoal mixes. They damage gums, create sensitivity, and mask deeper oral health problems.

Deodorants and Sprays, popular since the 1990s, block natural sweat and introduce aluminum and other toxins directly into lymph nodes.

Synthetic Facial Creams, Fairness Lotions, and Anti-Aging Products, booming from the 2000s, are full of endocrine-disruptors and carcinogens. They also build shame, comparison, and constant dissatisfaction with one's body.

Hair Dyes and Chemical Henna, normalized in the 2000s, contain ammonia and other toxins that affect the liver and trigger allergies.

Face Scrubbers, Derma Rollers, Electronic Trimmers, while making grooming easier, led to over-obsession with appearance and over-manipulation of skin, resulting in premature aging and dependency.

Cosmetic Lip Balms, Glosses, and Lotions, used especially by teens from the 2010s, often contain microplastics and flavoring agents which are swallowed, affecting gut flora.

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6. CLEANING & HYGIENE EQUIPMENT

Chemical Floor Cleaners (Phenyl, Lizol, etc.) became common in the 1990s. These products replaced ash, mud, cow dung, or herbal decoctions. While they smell fresh, they often irritate the skin, trigger allergies, and leave chemical residues.

Dishwashing Liquids and Bars, popular since the 1980s, contain foaming agents and artificial scents that damage skin microbiota. Traditional ash, soapnut, or mud scrubs were non-toxic and biodegradable.

Toilet Cleaners (Harpic, Domex, etc.), widely adopted post-1990s, use acids that damage septic systems, burn eyes and lungs, and are extremely dangerous when mixed with other cleaners.

Washing Machines, adopted in large numbers since the 1990s, reduced physical activity drastically. Manual washing helped build strength, posture, and connection to the home. Machines made cleaning faster, but also more isolated and less conscious.

Vacuum Cleaners, seen as a status symbol since the 2000s, are noisy, power-hungry, and often unnecessary for tiled homes. Manual brooms and mops supported stretching and movement.

Paper Towels, Wipes, and Disposables, introduced in the 2000s, replaced washable cotton cloths. These create unnecessary waste and destroy the habit of reusing and repairing.

Hand Sanitizers, post-2010 and especially post-COVID, destroyed skin health, reduced natural immunity, and increased paranoia around germs. Handwashing with soap was often enough.

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7. INFANT & CHILDCARE PRODUCTS

Disposable Diapers, which became common in the 2000s, reduced parental workload but caused rashes, infections, and massive landfill waste. Babies once wore cloth nappies that allowed skin breathing and frequent cleaning.

Baby Wipes, adopted alongside diapers, are full of preservatives and alcohols. They interfere with skin microbiome and can lead to long-term skin issues.

Formula Milk Powders, promoted heavily post-1990s, replaced breastmilk in many urban homes. This has led to weaker immunity, gut disorders, and obesity in infants.

Plastic Feeding Bottles and Nipples, often boiled and reused, leach chemicals when heated repeatedly. Copper, silver, or glass alternatives were once used.

Walkers and Bouncers, marketed in the 2000s, interfere with natural movement development. Babies become lazy or develop poor posture, skipping crawling — a crucial stage for brain development.

Plastic Teething Toys, full of dyes and toxins, are commonly chewed by infants. Traditionally, dried roots or cloth-based teethers were used.

Baby Shampoos, Soaps, and Powders, advertised as “mild” since the 1990s, often contain parabens, artificial scents, and talc — all harmful in the long run.

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8. SLEEP & BEDDING TECHNOLOGIES

Foam Mattresses, replacing cotton or coir beds since the 1990s, trap heat, affect spine alignment, and release synthetic vapors. They disconnect people from ground energy (earthing).

Memory Foam Pillows and Cushions, trendy from 2000s, are praised for support but often stiffen the neck, reduce natural turning, and affect sleep quality.

Bed Frames with Storage Drawers, introduced post-2000s, block airflow under beds and trap moisture, leading to mold and joint pain. Traditional Indian bedding was light, breathable, and often aired in the sun.

Mosquito Repellent Vaporizers, replacing nets from the 2000s, emit pyrethroids that affect lungs and brain health. They also kill helpful insects, disturb sleep, and may cause hormonal issues.

Air Conditioners in Bedrooms, common from the 2010s, lower metabolism, dry the nose, suppress sweating, and disturb natural temperature cycles. Earlier, ventilation and woven khus curtains kept rooms cool.

Alarm Clocks and Phones by Bedside, normalized from 2000s, disrupted circadian rhythm, created anxiety, and destroyed the habit of waking with sunrise.

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9. CLOTHING & FABRIC MAINTENANCE DEVICES

Steam Irons and Dryers, replacing sun-drying and natural pressing, became common in the 1990s. They consume energy, reduce fabric life, and eliminate the sun’s microbial-killing effect.

Synthetic Clothing (Polyester, Lycra, etc.), replacing cotton and khadi since the 1980s, traps heat, irritates skin, and disrupts sweat regulation. They also reduce connection to the body and its needs.

Color-Fix Detergents, marketed since the 1990s, are full of surfactants, dyes, and perfumes that stay on skin. These affect hormones, skin, and long-term health.

Perfumed Wardrobe Fresheners and Mothballs, though smelling pleasant, release chemicals linked to respiratory issues and nausea, especially in closed Indian cupboards.

Lint Rollers, Static Brushes, and Fabric Sprays, used since 2000s, added unnecessary tools for clothing care, often increasing consumerism without solving core hygiene.

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10. ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE GADGETS

Television Sets, widespread from the 1980s, have changed from wooden boxes to paper-thin smart screens. But they’ve also made family interactions passive, reduced physical play, and normalized sitting for hours.

Cable TV and Set-Top Boxes, booming from the 1990s, brought endless channels — and endless distraction. Children lost storytelling, adults lost conversation.

Video Games and Consoles, from the 2000s, made leisure sedentary and addictive, especially among children. Physical play declined sharply.

Smartphones, entering every home from the 2010s, became 24/7 entertainment devices. They destroyed sleep, shortened attention span, and increased isolation within families.

Bluetooth Speakers and Earphones, used everywhere since the 2010s, removed the communal experience of music, leading to more isolation and ear damage.

Streaming Platforms (Netflix, Hotstar, YouTube, etc.), since the late 2010s, normalized binge-watching, suppressed body signals (like sleep, hunger), and rewired the brain’s dopamine circuits.

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11. COMMUNICATION & PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

Landline Telephones, adopted from the 1980s, reduced physical movement and began the trend of convenience over connection. While useful, they started the habit of always being “reachable.”

Mobile Phones, popular from the 2000s, became lifelines but soon led to addiction, radiation exposure, sleep disruption, and family disconnection.

Smartphones, booming post-2010, blurred all boundaries — work, play, rest, and thought. They introduced screen fatigue, reduced focus, and rewired brain chemistry.

Laptops and Personal Computers, since the 1990s–2000s, were sold as empowerment tools. But they created endless sitting, spinal issues, wrist strain, eye problems, and screen dependence.

Wi-Fi Routers, common since the 2010s, added constant background EMF radiation at home. They allow non-stop access, disrupting circadian rhythms and concentration.

Smart Watches and Activity Trackers, since 2015, turned the body into a performance metric. They created guilt, obsession, and pressure rather than joy in movement.

Power Banks and Chargers, carried everywhere post-2010, show how deeply people have become dependent on devices. No power = no functioning.

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12. TRANSPORT & MOBILITY DEVICES

Scooters and Motorbikes, since the 1980s, reduced walking to almost zero. Even 200-meter distances are now driven, destroying calf strength and balance.

Cars (Hatchbacks to SUVs), increasingly owned from the 1990s onward, caused sitting addiction, pollution, and entitlement in urban families. Children forgot public transport or cycling.

Electric Two-Wheelers, growing post-2020, made mobility effortless but movement meaningless. Even rural youth now skip walking or cycling.

Electric Elevators and Escalators, in homes and malls since the 2000s, killed leg strength and stair climbing. Traditional homes were designed for daily movement.

Strollers for Children, adopted in cities since the 2000s, replaced carrying or walking with the child. Babies miss out on body contact and early motor skill development.

Remote-Controlled Garage Doors and Gates, becoming common post-2010, removed the need to even step out of the car. Complete inactivity is masked as luxury.

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13. CLIMATE CONTROL APPLIANCES

Ceiling Fans, widespread since the 1980s, began replacing cross ventilation. While useful, they became overused due to poor house design.

Air Coolers, common in the 1990s, added humidity and often poor-quality airflow, requiring maintenance and increasing respiratory issues when not cleaned.

Air Conditioners, mainstream post-2000s, completely removed people from natural temperature cycles. They reduce sweating, suppress metabolism, increase sinus problems, and cause mental dullness.

Room Heaters, especially in northern India post-2000s, dry the air, damage the lungs, and kill natural body heat adaptation.

Exhaust Fans and Kitchen Chimneys, while helpful, became compensations for badly designed houses. Earlier, food and smoke were cooked outside or in semi-open kitchens.

Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers, recently adopted from 2015 onward, show how artificial and sterile indoor environments have become, needing further correction with more devices.

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14. LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL UTILITIES

Tube Lights and CFL Bulbs, common since the 1980s–90s, flicker rapidly and reduce eye comfort compared to natural sunlight or warm lamps.

LED Bulbs and Strip Lights, introduced in the 2010s, are energy-saving but extremely intense. Blue light from LEDs disturbs sleep cycles, strains eyes, and increases screen addiction when used late at night.

Night Lamps and Plug-in Lights, widespread post-2000s, disrupt melatonin production. Children raised with constant light sleep poorly and wake unrested.

Inverter Battery Systems and Backup Lights, since the 2000s, created constant light even during blackouts. This removed natural darkness, rest cues, and outdoor bonding during power cuts.

Decorative Lighting (Diwali LEDs, Fairy Lights, etc.), common from the 2010s, increase unnecessary energy use and contribute to light pollution and heat.

Electric Mosquito Zappers and Bug Lamps, promoted since 2015, kill indiscriminately and affect biodiversity. Traditional nets and herbal repellents were less harmful.

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15. MEDICAL & DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES AT HOME

Digital Thermometers, replacing mercury ones since the 2000s, are faster but less reliable when not calibrated or used correctly. People now check for fever instead of feeling it.

Glucometers and BP Monitors, common in homes post-2010, increased health awareness but also introduced fear and obsessive monitoring. Many middle-class elders take 4–5 readings a day.

Oximeters, heavily marketed during COVID, remain in many homes. They created more anxiety than action in most people, especially when misused.

Pregnancy Test Kits, easily available since the 2000s, made detection easier but also created paranoia and secrecy. Earlier, women understood their cycles deeply.

First Aid Kits with Antibiotic Creams and Sprays, normalized since the 1990s, replaced turmeric, neem, and salt water for minor injuries — natural, proven, and immune-supporting.

Painkillers and Over-the-Counter Tablets, like paracetamol, crocin, digene, are in every home since the 1980s. Their normalization leads to casual abuse, liver damage, and masking of deeper issues.

Weighing Machines, introduced in urban homes from the 1990s, created obsession with numbers instead of health. People panic over grams, not realize how their habits affect their lives.

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16. SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGIES

CCTV Cameras, normalized from the 2010s, made people feel safe but also fearful. They replaced community watchfulness with passive recording, shifting trust from people to machines.

Video Doorbells and Intercoms, common in apartments since the 2000s, reduced personal interaction with visitors and created distance, suspicion, and surveillance culture.

Motion Sensor Lights, seen in gated homes since the 2010s, added convenience but contributed to light pollution and energy waste when poorly configured.

Electronic Locks and Smart Doors, promoted post-2015, replaced key trust with passwords and apps, making people dependent on tech for basic access.

Burglar Alarms and Panic Buttons, while helpful in rare emergencies, introduced constant low-grade anxiety in many households — especially elderly people living alone.

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17. EDUCATIONAL & LEARNING GADGETS

Digital Learning Apps (Byju’s, Toppr, etc.), since the late 2010s, replaced handwriting, teacher interaction, and movement with touchscreens. They promoted sitting, screen addiction, and memorization over curiosity.

Online Tuitions and Coaching Platforms, common after COVID, blurred boundaries between home and school. Children study in bed, lose posture, and stop social learning.

E-Book Readers and Tablets, marketed as “smart” from the 2010s, reduced physical reading and note-making. They also lead to rapid screen fatigue and fragmented attention.

Laptops for Homework, widely distributed post-2015, killed manual calculation, sketching, and thinking-through-writing.

Typing Tutors and Brain Game Apps, sold as “sharpeners,” replaced real-world puzzles, conversations, and nature engagement that once built intelligence naturally.

Stylus Pens and Smart Boards, introduced in higher-end schools from the 2010s, further digitized learning, removing emotional bonding with physical tools like chalk and slate.

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18. FITNESS & BODY SHAPING TOOLS

Treadmills and Home Gym Machines, popular since the 2000s, offered convenience but removed real-world walking, climbing, and load-bearing. Most machines gather dust after a month of enthusiasm.

Weight Loss Apps and Calorie Trackers, trending since 2015, created obsession and guilt. Eating became mathematical instead of mindful. People know the macros but not their hunger.

Bluetooth Scales and Fat Monitors, sold from 2018 onward, give instant gratification but also anxiety, detachment from body intuition, and digital dependence.

Plastic Yoga Mats, introduced from the 2000s, allowed yoga to go global but also made it a style symbol. Traditional cloth mats were earth-connected, eco-friendly, and humble.

Vibrating Belts, Slimming Gels, and Sauna Suits, marketed aggressively from the 1990s, preyed on insecurity and promoted shortcuts over discipline.

Fitness Bands and Step Counters, from 2015, promised motivation but often created guilt. Many people walk in circles at 11:55 PM just to “hit 10,000 steps.”

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19. SPIRITUALITY & RITUAL TECH ACCESSORIES

Electronic Aarti Machines and Chant Boxes, found in many homes since the 2000s, replaced live chanting and real presence with mechanical sound.

LED Lit God Photos and Backlit Altars, increasingly popular since 2010, made puja into a digital performance. Earlier, puja was done with clay lamps, silence, and seasonal offerings.

Automated Incense Dispensers, entering homes from 2015, replaced the act of lighting and offering, removing touch and intention from the ritual.

Online Temple Darshans and Virtual Pujas, promoted since 2020, gave remote access but removed pilgrimage, collective prayer, and the essence of sacred presence.

Digital Counters for Japa (Mantra Counting), popular among modern devotees, replaced mala beads with plastic clickers — often used while multitasking or watching TV.

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20. PACKAGING, STORAGE & SHOPPING AIDS

Ziplock Bags and Plastic Pouches, replacing steel dabbas from the 1990s, made kitchens convenient but also toxic. Reheated in microwave, they leach dangerous chemicals into food.

Vacuum Sealed Containers, adopted in urban kitchens from the 2010s, encourage long-term storage of stale, processed food. The focus shifts from freshness to convenience.

Online Shopping Apps (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.), since the late 2010s, created compulsive buying, price obsession, return culture, and massive packaging waste.

Digital Weighing Scales and Barcode Scanners, in shops and homes since 2000s, turned shopping into a number game, replacing human interaction with machines.

Trolley Bags and Foldable Carts, common from the 2000s, eased shopping physically but made people stock more than needed — leading to waste and excess.

Subscription Boxes and Meal Kits, emerging from 2018 onward, disconnect people from cooking, buying, and even knowing what they’re eating. One more layer between person and plate.

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