The world of technology looks quite different than it did 100 years ago, and even more different the farther back you look. It’s constantly changing, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Some newer technologies don’t change much about day-to-day living, but other technologies have changed daily life in different ways. Some are for the better, but other forms of technology have proven to do more harm than good.
Car-Dependent Cities
Technology has introduced a lot of cars on the road. Some people love their cars, but the world built around cars is overall negative. Before the days of cars, people lived in walkable cities where they could get to school, work, and the grocery store on foot. Since the advent of cars and suburbanization, city planners have designed cities for cars, not people.
This design philosophy has led to most cities being full of parking lots and garages, and people are driving nearly an hour from their homes to the nearest metro area. There are a lot of negatives to this car dependency, as the vehicles are harmful to the environment, expensive, and generally bad for public health. There are fewer authentic communities than ever before, impacting mental health, and when people drive instead of walk all day, their bodies pay the consequences. Walkable cities where owning a car isn’t necessary see more people shopping locally, exercising, and participating in their communities.
Increased Safety
One of the biggest ways technology has changed daily life is by making people much safer. Yes, some new safety issues come with technologies like social media stalking and data tracking, but other technologies solve safety issues that have plagued society for years. For example, since almost everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, they can directly do any of the following:
- Determine if something is unsafe
- Call for help
- Find their way home
- Keep an eye on friends and family
- Monitor their homes
In addition to this safety, the people who protect us also benefit from technological advancements. The healthcare industry is constantly improving; even firefighting protection gear has changed over time. This progress may seem minimal, but it allows these essential workers to deliver better care in all forms.
Access to Information
Increased access to information doesn’t change the lives of some people. Rather, it’s a simple convenience they take for granted when they can look up an actor and see other movies they’ve been in. However, the ability to access a seemingly infinite supply of information is huge for academics and researchers. These professionals can communicate with others in their field to share notes and theories. When all this information comes together, they’ll use it to push their respective industries forward into the future!
Technology continues to change daily life in different ways, and there are no signs of it slowing down. It will keep growing as time goes on. Is all of it for the best? Yes and no. Technology can be subjective, and it all depends on what the hands behind the technology do with it.
