Before technology came into existence, life was more stressful and time-consuming. People had to put in significant effort to achieve anything. Almost everything was done manually, school projects and research, book editing, education, skill acquisition, communication, and so on. Sometimes I wonder how they managed to cope.
Today, technology has brought us comfort, pleasure, and efficiency. Tasks that once demanded hours of effort can now be completed in minutes. Hard work has become easier and faster with the help of digital tools, reducing stress and preventing exhaustion from the simplest of chores.
In this post, I want to focus on our digital lifestyle—especially our devices. It's fascinating that I can sit right here and type, and people from around the world can read my thoughts within seconds. This instant connectivity is what excites me the most. Another digital advancement that amazes me is the ability to shop from home.
You wouldn’t believe it, but my neighbor hardly ever steps out of his room. He works remotely and barely interacts with us beyond hellos and how are you. I’m sure he has an active virtual social life, filled with online conversations and entertainment.
He buys all his groceries online. The only time we hear his door open is when the delivery man arrives. A few weeks ago, he told my cousin he now attends church online and sends his offering through bank transfer. While I find this lifestyle quite interesting, sometimes I feel he’s doing too much.
This convenience of getting everything delivered to our doorstep has made many people lazy, antisocial, and disconnected from the natural world. We seem to have forgotten how beneficial nature is to our overall well-being. Like my neighbor, some of us hardly step outside. Living without exposure to sunlight can affect our health unless we make up for it with supplements or fortified meals. The benefits of outdoor activities; like walking, running, and interacting with people are countless. They're vital for our physical, mental, and emotional health.
However, not everyone has embraced the digital age. Some people still live as if they’re stuck in the 19th century, as my friend would say:)
These individuals are skeptical about many aspects of technology, especially online shopping. They're afraid of being scammed or disappointed; like ordering fresh tomatoes and receiving rotten ones, expecting a leather bag and getting a rubber imitation, or buying original hair online and receiving a synthetic version.
A sewing machine someone ordered from Temu turned out to be a toy.
Another good example is e-banking, some still refuse to own ATM cards or accept mobile transfers because they fear the risks that come with online transactions. Their caution is very understandable, but it limits their access to the convenience and efficiency technology offers.
Personally, I believe embracing technology and using our digital devices wisely is essential, and it doesn't have to come with negative consequences. Online transactions can be safe if approached with patience, research, and awareness. Desperation often leads to poor decisions, but informed shopping and digital behavior can save time, energy, and money.
The use of technology can enhance our lives in remarkable ways, but it requires balance.
While we enjoy the speed and convenience of the digital world, we must not forget the importance of real-life experiences, nature, and human connection. A healthy lifestyle combines both physical and virtual spaces, making the most of what each has to offer.
