Summary

Technology has made human lives easier but also busier, as it both aids in daily tasks and creates a cycle of dependency and constant demand for upgrades.

Abstract

The article explores the paradoxical impact of technology on modern life, noting that while technology has been developed to assist humans, it has also led to increased busyness. Despite the abundance of time-saving devices, people find themselves with less free time, suggesting that the initial goal of technology may have been subverted. The author posits that this is due to human nature and the insatiable demand for technological advancements, which has made us dependent on technology for fulfilling our needs. The article also speculates on a future where technology might perform all tasks, questioning how society would adapt to excessive leisure time. It concludes by emphasizing personal choice in technology use and the importance of proactive planning to harness technology for an improved lifestyle.

Opinions

The author believes that the original intention of technology to provide more leisure time has been overshadowed by its role in keeping us perpetually occupied.
Human nature, characterized by an endless desire for more, is seen as a driving force behind the constant demand for newer and better technology.
The author suggests that technology has become a crutch for modern society, with people relying on it for entertainment during breaks as well as for daily tasks.
There is a concern that a future with technology performing all tasks could lead to a significant decline in human productivity and purpose.
The article emphasizes that individuals have the power to choose how they engage with technology, and this choice determines its impact on their lives.
The author asserts that technology should be used as a tool to enhance productivity and lifestyle, contingent upon deliberate and thoughtful routine planning.

Has Technology Made Our Life Easier or Busier?

And do we really enjoy being busier?

Technology is impacting the world around us as well as our lives with each passing day. Ever since the birth of technology, human lives have become relatively easier, or busier? Maybe, a bit of both.

But isn’t this exactly why technology was created in the first place? To aid human beings? So, has it turned out to occupy more of our time than we would like to think? Let’s find out if technology has made our lives easier, busier, or both.

The concept that technology was developed to bring spare time to human beings, is no longer valid.

Today, we have no time to spare despite being surrounded by the latest technology.

With so many machines and devices designed to help us, we should have enough leisure time but I am sure that if I were to ask people around me if they have a couple of minutes to spare, the answer would be negative. Heck, I barely have time myself.

So, where did it all go wrong?

I believe that, over time, we have seen extremely high demand for technology, all around the globe. The more people get, the more they demand. We have become so dependent on technology that we need it to fulfill nearly all of our needs.

So, it could be less about technology and more about human nature.

Let me explain it this way, I am always looking for an upgrade in everything, be it technological devices, clothing, or my overall lifestyle. It is not just me, I am surrounded by many other people of such nature. So, as we get new technology, we immediately start looking for its upgrade.

The world population is continuously growing and so a growing world demands an equally growing technology, even more, if possible. The constant increase in technology’s demand has made productivity gains insufficient and inefficient.

Yes, technology has undoubtedly made our lives much easier than we can imagine but it has also found new ways to keep us busy. Machines and devices may assist in advancing our day-to-day activities but at the end of the day, we are spending most of our day using them. To feel or be free is, in one way, our choice on how and on what to spend our time.

Whatever we decide for ourselves, we make sure that it occupies our time. We have become so used to technology that we spend even our breaks, using technology (for the purpose of entertainment). I also believe that technology can impact or alter only our choices, not needs.

Our needs remain the same, only how we choose to fulfill them is what matters.

As human beings, we need to keep ourselves occupied for various reasons. For me, it’s to stop myself from overthinking or feeling worthless while it could be a source of entertainment, work, or avoid unnecessary feelings/thoughts, for you. One way or another, we just have to be busy and technology seems to be our first and last resort.

Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova on Unsplash

But let’s have a look at it from another perspective. Imagine a future where technology reaches its limit, because we know that it is not limitless, and all those tasks that require manpower are efficiently replaced. For instance, machines diagnose problems and start performing operations, on their own, diving a car, or fixing broken pipes in your house. Basically, all those chores that we currently find ourselves busy with.

What will we do then? How intolerable would it be to just sit on a couch all day because we now have every device, every machine that can do even the smallest of tasks for you? What will we do then? Our productivity scale would surely drop down, or better yet, become non-existent.

At some point in time, we would have this sudden urge to get busy and we will have to take an action for it. I read a quote somewhere that, work may keep us busy but it is an integral part of who we are. Human beings can just not stay free for a long period of time. They need to keep themselves busy with something, anything.

Speaking from personal experience, if you remain idle for a long period, you can’t help but feel worthless, as if you are good for nothing. We are all creators and hard-workers so the notion that technology should bring us more free time goes against our nature. I know so many people, including myself, who enjoy their work and when they’re not working, they have extracurricular activities to engage themselves into.

In my final statement, I would like to say that it is all about the choices that we make. And if you do not believe me, think of this, if you don’t like swimming, you won’t go for it no matter how much your friends and family force you. You can deny their requests as many times as you want, and rightfully so because it’s your choice and they should respect it. Just like this, choosing to accept or reject a technology is also in your hands.

Nobody is forcing you to use a certain technology even to spend your leisure time. It’s you who make that call, every time.

Technology can prove to be a great source to increase your productivity but that also can only happen if you choose what you want to achieve. You have to proactively map out your everyday routine and you will see that it will certainly cause you to lead an improved lifestyle.