As digital technology becomes more integrated in our lives, the "hand-held office" and "fingertip office" have become popular concepts in recent years, not only making it easier for the people to get things done, but also improving the efficiency of government officials.

However, a media investigation has found that most officials, nowadays, prefer working "online" instead of "going to the grassroots", thus distancing themselves further from the people.

There is no doubt that by mastering new technologies, grassroots officials can serve the people. However, by relying on online communication tools, grassroots officials can only solve some of the problems people face. To be able to serve them better, the officials need to visit people on the spot and ask specific questions to understand their problems and find solutions.

Moreover, there are many rural residents who still do not have smartphones or access to the internet. To expect officials to help them by just exchanging a few messages or phone calls is to underestimate the complexity of grassroots problems.

One of the reasons why officials prefer working online is because either they are used to sitting in offices and lack the skills to interact face to face with people, or they are so busy holding meetings in the office that they can't spare time to sit directly with the people in their homes to listen to their specific problems.

It is worth investing our efforts on shortening the psychological distance between the officials and the masses so that they can solve the problems of the masses in a more targeted manner.

At present, all localities are looking for ways to reduce the burden on grassroots officials, so that they have more time to interact directly with the masses and help solve their problems. Reducing the burden on the officials does not in any way mean reducing their responsibilities.

Instead, greater interaction with the people will improve their ability to solve practical problems and increase people's sense of happiness and security.

- PEOPLE'S DAILY