Technology plays a key role In the 21st century has enabled us as humans to make strides our ancestors could only dream of.However, there are niggling questions that technology is taking over our lives.One question remains unanswered: Is a high-tech society delivering on its promises?
Technology is hugely important to our lives
Whether we like it or not, technology has an impact on practically everything we do now, as well as the majority of our future plans. Whether we use a cell phone, listen to music and radio, surf the internet for news, or turn on the television, the benefits of a hearing aid or a hearing implant are available to us.
Technology making our lives healthier, more convenient and more entertaining in 2018 In the last two years, technological innovations have meant major strides in three areas in particular:Tech can help you forget about your worries, especially when used correctly, such as by creating a nice tech atmosphere combining it with traditional stuff such as taper candles.
High-tech leads to convenience
Mobile phones have evolved from simple communication devices to personal computers that allow us to access data and services at the push of a button.We may use our mobile smartphones to order groceries, rent cars, plan our commutes to work, and schedule doctor’s visits. Machines are being taught to mimic humans in their ability to perform repeat tasks, for example driving a car. In the future driverless cars will make it possible for us to prepare for a 2-hour business meeting in the back of a “robo taxi”.
Entertainment
Machine learning and virtual reality now dominate the entertainment space. On-demand television eliminates the need to wait for our favorite episodes or even make selections about what to watch because machine-learning algorithms provide recommendations based on our watching history.Everything personalised, everything individualised. Virtual reality immerses viewers into live roleplay, and mixed reality has enabled games like Pokemon Go to flourish.
Technology in health sector
Medical professionals are using artificial intelligence to diagnose illnesses faster and more quickly, and flexible robots to do surgery properly – their hands basically replicating human hands. Devices which help to improve our health are improving all the time, for example MED-EL audio processors (the externally worn part of a hearing implant) have come a long way from the first model 40 years ago and now boast wireless charging, wireless phone and TV connection and a sleek design which makes them virtually undetectable under the hair.
Supported by the in-house Air Cleaning Technology, the department allows us to provide in-house drawings for the customer to review before any manufacturing begins if needed. Best MERV 16 filters are widely used in places like hospitals or large houses where the air contains a large number of unknown germs and viruses that can spread through the ducts.
Addicted to instant gratification
Whether it be clicking on an on-demand TV show, or demanding Alexa change the song, technology is designed to meet our needs instantly. We simply do not have to wait for anything anymore. Certainly, the convenience of modern technology means we can achieve more. But is constantly getting what we want, when we want it, a good thing?
A famous study conducted at Stanford University in the 1960s would suggest not. Children were placed in a room with one marshmallow on a plate for study. The children were given a simple instruction from the principal researcher:You can eat the marshmallow now, or wait 15 minutes and receive two marshmallows.The children who were able to wait for the second marshmallow without eating the first did better on standardized tests, had better health, and were less likely to have behavior problems, according to the study.
Constantly available, constantly online
Because of advancements in communications, we can be reached at any time through a multitude of ways.This means we have to be constantly available and constantly “on”. Constant multitasking has its benefits, but our brains don’t work that way, according to neuroscientist Daniel Levitin.Rather than being “expert jugglers, we are more like bad amateur plate spinners, frantically switching from one task to another.” Levitin gives an insight into what happens in our brains when we receive multiple communications at once. When our brain tries to juggle all of these at the same time, stress builds. When we respond to a message, however, our limbic system receives an immediate rush of dopamine, which is addicting.We get into a cycle of fueling this multitasking lifestyle in order to get more dopamine, which, according to Levitin, is ultimately inefficient and harmful to our brains.
Achieving a Tech-Life Balance
Can we enjoy the benefits of technology without succumbing to a tech-controlled life? Can we control it without being controlled by it? Our hints for achieving a tech-life balance.
- Utilise technology that makes your life easier (and don’t feel bad about it!): If a hearing implant is the right decision for you, celebrate the fact that you live in an age when this technology is available. Take advantage of it!
- Limit times when people can contact you: Reduce the unhealthy aspects of multitasking by allocating only certain hours of your day to responding to messages, or turning your phone off at night.
- Limit social media and TV time: studies have shown they are addictive. If you find yourself constantly reaching for the remote or checking your news feed, consider limiting your daily intake. Both social media and TV can be used in ways that support your life, but overuse can diminish it.
- Reconnect with nature and exercise: studies have shown nature and exercise help fight stress and depression. Consider doing 30 minutes of exercise outside each day with a friend, and experience the benefits a short break from technology can offer!