Where has the Time Gone?

Do you ever find yourself asking yourself at the end of the day “where has the time gone?!” With the ever-increasing plethora of modern technology available, much of which is designed to make our daily tasks quicker and easier, it would be simple to assume that life would be less hectic. But, after a manic day filled with commuting, completing your working hours, fitting in household chores, and keeping in touch with the world, you discover that life is as hectic as ever.

Life without modern technology would be almost unthinkable, no WiFi or 5G would mean no mobile access to the internet, which could, for example, result in longer commute times due to lack of real time travel updates. Not having a smart mobile phone would result in no access to social media apps, making it harder to stay in touch with the world. Remote working would not be possible without a laptop. Household chores would become more time consuming, without devices with built in technology that allows quicker cook times.

Conversations I have had with some of my elders indicate life was perhaps less hectic when basic technology was available and many of them suggested “as technology gets more advanced, life remains just as hectic.” A counter argument to this could propose that “smart technology used intelligently, will help ease the hectic aspects of life”. Growing technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced robotics, virtual reality, internet of things, are openings to technology being used intelligently.

As these technologies become more mainstream, we are looking into a future where everyday difficulties and tasks can become streamlined with the help of technology leveraged intelligently. Household chores could be completely automated and supervised by various robotic systems. Artificial intelligence and machine learning could be leveraged in filtering social media and personal device usage to personalise how you stay in touch with the world. Virtual reality could allow virtual offices, so you could complete your working hours from any location with the added benefit of immersive engagement with colleagues. The internet of things could allow safer and reduced time commuting, through vehicle to vehicle communications. 

It remains to be seen how a more intelligent use of technology will impact our lives, will we gain “more time on our hands”, or will any time savings become occupied by “new” tasks that are created as a result of utilising these smart technologies. It’s a waiting game, but one that excites me in seeing how the world will change, as we move into the fourth industrial revolution.