How is technology changing our lives today, and how will it do so in the future?
originally posted on Quora, a knowledge-sharing platform that enables users to learn from one another and get a better understanding of the world.
Of course, practically every facet of modern life today involves technology.
I find a lot of the changes to our way of life to be rather amazing, and I can’t image not having them.
Remote family connections are simple to make, and working from home with real-time collaboration and communication with coworkers is also possible.
We have unrivaled access to information and the ability to communicate with others who have similar interests.
However, because technology plays such a significant part in our daily routines and allows us to accomplish so much very instantly, we may occasionally feel as though it does not completely meet our demands.
Among the first things that come to mind when considering this tension are the following:
- We have never felt more alone, even though technology makes it possible to communicate with others.
- Social media is a potent tool for accountability and expression, but its characteristics as a viral (short, entertaining) can at best result in discussion of lower quality and at worst in horrifying bullying like Gamer Gate.
- Numerous clinical research show that using screens while trying to sleep impairs the quality and start of this necessary need.
The computer, according to Steve Jobs, is like a bicycle for the mind.
which prompts the question: Was this type of mental workout intended for our brains?
Nowadays, many people claim that spending so much time online has burned them out.
In the end, although our demands change throughout the day, technology does not.
I think technology needs to broaden its horizons and think about the overall impact of not just its own products but also those that people are utilizing in order to maintain a healthy connection with its users.
In my work on digital wellbeing, I attempt to do this.
In the future, I see a day where we can set limits on how much technology we use thanks to the digital items we use now.
For instance, I am currently able to work from home every day.
I’m constantly available, and regardless of the priority, I frequently don’t hesitate to send an email or text.
It’s up to me to disregard the email and enjoy the evening with my family.
However, forcing us to make that decision for each and every email or message is neither sustainable nor even just good design.
With a greater grasp of what important, when it makes sense for me to engage with it, and when to detach, I anticipate that moving forward, the digital goods we use will make it simpler to disconnect.