English Commentary-Deaf to the world

Central Issue:
The central issue of the article is on Singaporeans using electronic gadgets to distract them, resulting in them being oblivious to the many dangers around them. The article states the dangers of the actions, such as, bumping into people, getting run over by bicycles, cars, etc. It provides first hand evidence in the form of experiments conducted at an average intersection. Also, it lessens alertness, and can distract people in jobs and activities that require the person to be alert, such as driving and security.
(85 words)
Commentary:
Imagine your favourite tune ringing in your ears as you head for your favourite hangout, wiping your head of all worries. It sounds like heaven, and it probably is to the huge number of teenagers that pay more attention to their electronic gadgets than their surroundings, until they encounter an accident. Recently, an ever-growing group of Singaporeans have plugged into their electronic toys and thrown caution to the winds. This is a very risky thing to do; it lowers your alertness levels and makes you more susceptible to the dangers around you. Despite the fact that it may relief stress and help security personnel to stay awake, it also leads to a false sense of security, as many people feel that it is not their responsibility to look out for themselves.
“An accident occurred along Bishan Street 14 today at 14:00. A taxi had collided with a teenager from ABC Institution...” We hear this in the news nearly every day. Most of the time, it is due to the fact that the student was plugged into his I-pod, I-phone, PSP or some other fanciful electronic gadget that saps them of their attention, resulting in them not noticing the incoming vehicle. The number of accidents due to the usage of attention-sapping electronic gadgets has been rising, as shown by the National Safety Council. This is solid proof that Singaporeans need to be more alert and less absorbed in their gadgets. However, this is not the case, when interviewed, one Singaporean commented, “I can’t hear bicycles coming from behind me but I don’t think it’s dangerous.” This shows that the Singaporean’s, especially teenagers’, attitude towards using electronic gadgets in attention-demanding situations needs to change. Hopefully, they will reconsider before they take such risks in the future.
However, one can refute that it entertains, relives stress and can help someone maintain a positive attitude towards the day; it can also keep some people awake, especially if it is loud. This is seen from the fact that may Singaporeans commented on being bored without their gadget, unable to stay awake during their job, etc. However, the benefits such actions could reap, pale in comparison with the dangers. Being absorbed in one’s own electronic gadget can lead to a false sense of security, and the feeling that others are responsible for his safety instead of himself. This can be seen from a comment made by Seah Jia Hao, “I don’t think it’s dangerous. If I can’t hear a car when it’s behind, it’s the driver’s responsibility to look out for me because I’m in front of him.” His attitude is shared by many other teenagers, thus showing that Singaporeans need to be more responsible for their safety and not entrust their safety to others. If everyone has this its-not-my-responsibility attitude towards safety, the world will be in utter chaos, as no one will pay attention to the dangers around them. This shows that Singaporeans need to be more alert and change their attitude towards safety. Hopefully, they will avoid taking such dangerous risks in the future.
In conclusion, I feel that it is a very risky thing to be absorbed in electronic gadgets in attention-seeking situations, as accidents can happen. Ten minutes of a one’s favourite song is nothing compared to a serious accident and six months in a wheelchair. Not only that, the attitude of Singaporeans towards safety needs to change. It should be their responsibility to look out for themselves, not others, especially not the-guy-who-is-driving-the-car-behind-me. No matter how heavenly classical, rock or pop can get, remember, it is not worth the risk and it is YOUR responsibility to look out for yourself.

(599 words)