CES Attendees Stress that Tech is a Tool
Whether it’s aimless scrolling, reflexive phone-checking, or even marathon gaming, thoughtless usage of popular technology is not the way to spend time, according to some who work in and around the tech industry.
Mindfulness — that is, purposeful, thought-out usage of tech — was a common piece of advice from surveyed attendees at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association surveyed CES attendees this past January about tech use. The 180 respondents, most of whom work in the tech industry, answered open-ended questions about their efforts to manage their tech time and practice healthy use of technology.
Respondents warned against using tech for “passing time” or “as a means of self-indulgence and gratification.” Mindful usage was stressed, with the assertion that “tech should be a tool.” Balance and moderation were also popular recommendations.
In addition, many respondents said they are taking steps to manage their own tech time, or at least plan to do so. Methods reported include daily hour limits, time monitoring apps, or just personal habits that promote other activities over tech use. The importance of self-discipline was mentioned repeatedly in survey answers.
When surveyed attendees were asked whether they thought social media does more harm or good, 65% said it does more harm; 79% said they had changed their opinion on social media in the last two years.
When asked whether video games can be addictive, 95% said yes. Also, nearly 70% thought video games are more problematic or are different than other tech in its potential for overuse.
Complete survey results are here.
