Technology has brought many conveniences to our lives, but it can also be a veil or barrier between our loved ones and us. The internet has connected people in ways that were never possible before. On-demand entertainment is always at your fingertips 24/7. Amid all these incredible positives of modern technology, though, are some losses too that we didn’t see coming. Sometimes we want things back to how they were earlier. Here are a few techs that are amused by their pastimes and experiences IRL (In Real Life).
Top 7 technologies that ruined our real life
1. E-readers
Description
E-reader devices made the books paperless. An E-reader device can store a massive number of books. They let you read the books wherever you go, like in the foggy or dark.
Examples: Kobo, Kindle, Nook
How they ruined everything:
The physical act of turning the pages in a book is something that an e-reader just can’t replicate. Instead, the movements have a rhythm. So, especially when you’re caught up on your favorite story, it’s hard to stop reading even at 2 am.
You keep saying to yourself: “only one more page.” With digital books, sometimes there are obstacles. As readers, we don’t always know how close or far away we are from finishing our current chapter. A few of my adored stories come with sentimental value. Their physical formation serves their readers a cue of a pace or a place.
2. Streaming facilities
Description
These services allow you to watch thousands of your favorite old or new movies and TV shows on your particular device. You can subscribe to these services at a low cost or sometimes free.
Examples: Amazon Video, Netflix, Apple TV
How they ruined everything:
As a child, my parents would take the family to the movies, which was always an event. Then, we’d get nachos and popcorn together just as if it were our last day on earth. Unfortunately, online streaming facilities don’t offer that involvement of excitement when you’re getting your snacks ready with someone who loves you dearly.
It’s not all bad, though — sometimes streaming can be cheaper than going out. Yet there are also some new releases like Disney+, where they typically charge four times more per ticket.
3. Food delivery services
Description
You can order the food of your choice from your favorite restaurants. The services offer you quick and low fee delivery.
Examples: UbarEats, Doordash, Grubhub
How they ruined everything:
The delivery food trend saves you the time and miles of travel to get your favorite restaurant cuisine. But, remember, you are sacrificing the excitement of being out with loved ones for a meal. Do not forfeit an environment where people might have conversations about anything other than what’s on their plates.
We’re so used to getting everything delivered these days – even our groceries. The most concerning part about the delivery culture is how lazy and unhealthy people have become.
4. Traveling sites
Description
Planning for a family trip or business tour? Use traveling services to compare hotels, airlines, and many more things for your destination. These sites allow you to see the destination highlights too.
Examples: Google Maps, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor
How they ruined everything:
This is the end of vacation wanderings. Nowadays, it’s hard to experience new cities without our phones. People used to plan everything in advance, from what to wear for dinner or where the next hotel will be.
All that spontaneity has been lost, making way through uncharted territory with nothing but a map. The modern world of travel may seem more convenient at first glance; however, there are significant losses.
5. Fitness Gadgets
Description
You can use Fitness watches to record and measure your physical condition. For example, calories burned, heart rate, and steps taken.
Examples: FitBit, Apple watches
How they ruined everything:
Once you begin to track your workouts using fitness apps, it’s hard to go without them. Also, if you did not log your activity on the drive, it feels like the exercise didn’t count, especially when you’re going out for an adventure hike of some sort.
6. Dating Apps
Description
In the modern age, dating apps can connect individuals without having met physically. If you feel adventurous and don’t have a significant other to go on a date with you, dating apps can help. You sign up and get matched with another person at random, then meet in real life if both parties are interested.
Examples: Bumble, Tinder
How they ruined everything:
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the thrill of a new relationship using dating apps. Here is a general disadvantage associated with dating apps:
If you’ve gone on three dates and think your significant other is perfect-stop! It can take four times as long just to determine if someone isn’t suitable for us. More time means more significant potential disappointment.
7. Smart bird feeder
Description
Use this gadget to get notifications when the birds stop by the birdfeeder. It can also take pictures of birds.
Examples: Bird Buddy
How they ruined everything:
The joy of being outside and engaged in nature is a meditative escape from the hustle-and-bustle. We could find ourselves experiencing exactly that at any given day before technology revolutions. I am troubled by how easy it has become to use technology for leisure activities such as birdwatching. Using technology does not allow us to enjoy the excitement of nature.
That’s it. These are the ways I think technology has ruined our lives in one way or the other. If you feel the technology has ruined your day, share the experience with us in the comments.