The Impact of Technological Advancements on Everyday Life

Technological advancement has been revolutionizing people's lives for several decades, and this process is only getting faster. The areas of smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) are particularly advancing at an exponential rate. According to Khan et al. (2017), the IoT is defined as "the interconnection of different objects through the Internet using different communication technologies" (p.17). Currently, smart home technology, which primarily caters to the wealthy, exemplifies the implementation of IoT. However, it is predicted that these advancements will become more affordable and significantly impact people's lives.

The influence of technological advancements can be observed in various aspects of daily life. Changes in how information is accessed and utilized, as well as advancements in education, medical technologies, the financial sphere, and the labor market, are just a few examples. One of the most noticeable transformations is in people's everyday routines. In the past, previous generations spent considerable time and effort on tasks like cleaning and cooking. Today, the availability of washing machines, electric stoves, multicookers, blenders, and coffee machines has greatly simplified these daily chores. It is reasonable to assume that the next phase of technicalization will encompass global society in this area. Smart home systems, already accessible to the affluent (Darby, 2017), will likely become more prevalent and intelligent, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, refrigerators will automatically detect low supplies and order the necessary products. Kitchen gadgets will measure food portions and cooking time, preventing oversalting or overcooking. Robot vacuums will become more efficient, relieving individuals of the burden of cleaning.

While these advancements will undoubtedly enhance convenience and ease, the changes will not end there. The time previously spent on household tasks will now be available for work, rest, and personal development. Considering that women still bear the primary household responsibilities in many countries, technological advancements will contribute to greater gender equality. These seemingly minor and practical changes will have a significant impact on the economy, labor market, and society at large.

In conclusion, the rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in smart technologies and the IoT, is transforming people's lives. The availability of smart home technology, currently limited to the wealthy, will become more affordable, leading to substantial changes in everyday routines. These advancements will not only simplify tasks but also free up time for individuals to focus on other aspects of their lives. Furthermore, the integration of AI into smart home systems will bring about even more intelligent and automated solutions. This technological revolution will not only enhance convenience but also contribute to greater gender equality and have far-reaching implications for the economy and society.

References

1. Darby, S. J. (2017). Smart technology in the home: time for more clarity. Building Research & Information, 46(1), 140–147.
2. Khan, A. A., Rehmani, M. H., & Rachedi, A. (2017). Cognitive-Radio-Based Internet of Things: Applications, Architectures, Spectrum Related Functionalities, and Future Research Directions. IEEE Wireless Communications, 24(3), 17–25.