Smoking vanished from restaurants completely, kale and quinoa changed our eating habits and “The Office” has become an abstract concept. Twenty years ago the world was a completely different place, for sure!
Marc Zuckerberg was barely old enough to drive and the airways were dominated by Santana and Rob Thomas. Cell phones were only just beginning to become popular and social media was not yet the number one topic of conversation.
A lot has changed. Since the dotcom bubble burst back in 2000, technology especially, has radically transformed our daily lives and our society.
Apple sold their first iPod in 2001, and six years later they introduced the iPhone. Technology became portable and personal, ushering in a new era in which it touches nearly everything we do.
Truth is, the internet has significantly changed the way we do … everything. From the way we communicate, to how we consume news, shop, bank, teach, navigate and entertain ourselves.
Renewed attention is being given to climate change today and scientists are looking towards so-called “green-tech” to lead us to a carbon-neutral world. Many firms are creating innovative meat and dairy alternatives that are much greener than their traditional counterparts … all through changes in technology.
Think about it, you no longer have to memorise anyone’s phone number. You can use your cell phone to take photos instead of a film camera and you’re able to watch the latest movies on Netflix from the comfort of your own bed. You can make a playlist instead of burning CDs. Also, when Match.com was created in 1995 it wasn’t something that people admitted to taking part in, yet today online dating is the norm. So many positives; amazing, right?
The scale of the Coronavirus crises have presented even more technological changes to make things “easier”. And although there may be good reason not to do things in person right now, there may be a downside to our “tele-everything” lives.
Are you endlessly scrolling down social media to go down rabbit holes of conspiracy theories? Are you feeding yourself a steady diet of sensationalized drama, never-ending stories of doom and gloom, and worst-case scenarios … just because technology is making it easy for you?
We might need to be reminded that we need to look at a healthier digital lifestyle. Be mindful of the people and the sources that you allow into your orbit; seek additional points of view that provides a balance of encouragement and positivity. “You are what you eat” doesn’t only pertain to food, the same can be said in terms of the information that you consume and its effects on your mental health and physical wellbeing.
Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. So yes, choose to be empowered by change.
However, remember that technology is simply a tool and that it’s up to you to decide how to use it.
Source: bestlifeonline.com, bctv.org, insider.com, businessinsider.co.za, politico.com, pewresearch.org, weforum.org, wholelifestrategies.com, forbes.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.