I took a two-part test that’s required for college graduation. Students were given 30 minutes to answer a question: Do you think technology plays a dominant role in our lives? Does it make our lives better or worse?
I think technology plays too much of a dominant role in our lives. It makes our lives easier yet harder at the time time.
Technology, if not properly regulated by a person during their daily activities, can take time away from human interaction and increase consumer waste.
The internet allows us to stay connected with technology almost 24/7.
Aside from the basic human needs of food, shelter, and sleep, technology can take up our entire day. A good example is that a person can work, purchase, read, and socialize all on the internet.
The news is ubiquitous and many platforms offer constant updates. If a person wanted to “be in the know”, he or she could surf the internet for hours, or even days (since the internet never closes).
Not able to use the computer? Then a smartphone will provide the internet for you. People spend more time looking down on a smartphone rather than up to the world around them.
The hours spent online are hours taken away from children, spouses, friends, family members and pets.
The internet will always be there and always be open but the people and pets in our lives won’t always be there.
In the last 20 years that the internet has gone mainstream, the growth rate of information and technology has quadrupled.
When computers first became available to the public in the late 80's, early 90's, new technology changed maybe once or twice a year (an astonishing rate for that time). However, technology now updates and changes around every 3 months.
So that new gadget you bought in January will be overshadowed by a newer, faster, more colorful version in March.
It’s no wonder that the consumption rate for electronics, technology, and everyday goods has increased. Thus increasing consumer waste.
Marketing agencies work very hard (and are remarkably successful) at convincing consumers that they need to buy the New and Best of “this or that” product.
A lot is said about the newest and best gadgets, but there’s not a lot said about the physical waste the old gadget becomes.
So think about what is important to you the next time you heat up that TV Dinner in the microwave while you shop for the latest smartphone or smartwatch.
How much technology do you want to have in your life?
How much time does it allow you to spend with family or friends in person?
How much space does it take up?
One day it will end up in a landfill somewhere.
Technology’s growth rate will never slow down, marketing wizards will never stop telling you how much you need “this item”, the internet will always be open 24/7, and that article will always be in archive somewhere.
But your friends and family will grow, move on, and change. Do you want to miss that?
And ask yourself this the next time you buy something: How much REAL value does this item offer me and for how long?
If that item doesn’t add value to your life in a way that will last, or allow you slow down and spend time with other humans then why is it worth your money and mental effort?
Reconsider and save your money for the most important things in life: Human interaction and love.
