AD | I talk a lot about working from home, self employment and making money online on my blog. I’m incredibly thankful that I’m in a position where I can make money from my laptop or my phone and even from the comfort of my own bed. It hasn’t been without years of grafting, hard work and constant hustling but I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved, especially from where I once was, a long time ago.
The thing I definitely don’t give enough credit to, is technology. Because without it, I wouldn’t be writing this blog post. And you wouldn’t be reading this blog post. Oh how technology has changed our lives. And we rarely even acknowledge it.
Now, I’m no technology buff. There’s a lot of technology I don’t understand and I’m certainly not the kind of person to rush out and get the latest iPhone as soon as it’s on the shelves. But I do love certain pieces of technology and what they’ve brought to my life.
I wouldn’t have a job without it. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had without it. When I was diagnosed with severe generalised anxiety disorder back in 2011, I dread to think how my life would have turned out without the technology there for me to create my blog and almost give me a reason to wake up in the morning again. I’m pretty sure technology has changed all of our lives in some way or another.
So let’s look at exactly how technology has changed our lives!
It’s connected us
The main element how how technology has changed our lives has to be social media. Technology has allowed us to easily keep in contact with friends, family and acquaintances from all over the world. A friend going travelling is no longer the be-all and end-all it used to be. Because you can keep up with their travels daily and talk to them whenever you both want to.
This is a big one for me because over the years, since my anxiety diagnosis, I’ve more or less lost all of my “real life” friends. If it wasn’t for social media, I’d be incredibly lonely, to the point where I don’t even really want to think about what my life would be like. In that respect, technology has changed our lives for the better because I’m definitely not the only one in that position.
It’s created jobs and opportunities for us
Technology has allowed more people than ever before to start businesses, grow their skills and become their own bosses. Technology and the internet has opened up more avenues for success and individuals are thriving on it. And creating successful 6-figure businesses which wouldn’t have been possible without technology!
I can’t say I’m quite at the 6-figure business level just yet (maybe one day) but technology and the internet has allowed me to start a blog and turn that blog into a business, work with brands, get sent on press trips, try new products and so many more opportunities.
It’s given us endless entertainment and leisure options
There’s absolutely no time to be bored any more and whilst this one might divide some opinions, you can’t really deny that technology has brought us, well, a heck of a lot of fun! From the good old days of Habbo Hotel and Piczo, the PlayStation 1, the dance mat and the game ‘snake’ on the Nokia 3310 all the way to now, with Netflix, the PlayStation 4, virtual reality headsets and so much more.
Another one I can relate to on a personal level because it wasn’t until around a year ago, I realised how much gaming can really help my mental health. It’s one of the only things that allows me to truly switch off and Red Dead Redemption 2, arguably the best game ever created, has really stolen my heart since it’s release last year. If I need some downtime, I know that game is there waiting for me. I’m certain that a lot of people will feel the same way. It might not be the most noteworthy reason how technology has changed our lives but to me, it matters.
It’s improved education
Education options are bigger than ever before, all thanks to technology, the internet and the ability to be able to learn from anywhere. Online education has even become an option for students who can’t attend an actual school for whatever reason. The Open University has offered higher education to millions of people who can’t attend University. And there are a number of courses you can take online – both paid and free – which helps you improve your skills.
Anything that makes education more accessible is always a plus in my eyes. Everyone should have access to an education and the chance to learn, even if it’s a free online course in something they’re interested in. I’ve used Coursera a couple of times and although the results for my particular courses didn’t add up to anything, I learnt a lot and they were incredibly interesting. And a great option for those who maybe can’t afford a paid-for course.
It’s enhanced people’s lives
Convenience wise, technology is the bomb. Some might say it promotes laziness and yes, in some cases, it can (reference: me the other night ordering a McDonald’s from my bed) but on a whole, I think it’s nothing but good. Technology has enhanced people’s lives in so many ways. We have to remember that not everyone has the privilege of being able to just get up and go to the shops and technology has made that accessible to more or less everyone.
This is particularly prominent for me as my anxiety really kicks my arse and going out sometimes is a struggle. I don’t quite know what I’d do without online food shopping, online banking and the technology involved to make those things accessible to me.
So basically, I think technology is great. Yes, there are times where I want to throw it out the window but I honestly couldn’t live without it and I’m in awe of how technology has changed our lives so much over the last 20 years or so. What is your relationship with technology?
* This post is sponsored by and in association with Ebuyer - the UK's largest online tech retailer - for their 20th anniversary.
I’m all for it although I do miss the era when kids would play outside – now they want to play indoors on machines! x
Oh me too. I’d hate to be a kid growing up now x
I’ve been reading so much negative stuff about technology lately, it’s good to see something positive.
Technology has given us so much! It has changed the way we do everything!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
This was a really interesting read sweetheart, however, I’m in two minds about technology a lot of the time. I think that it does help everyone in certain ways but sometimes it can be so nasty and dangerous. I really enjoyed reading this with my cup of tea this morning, 🌸💜
With love, Alisha Valerie x | alishavalerie.com
It definitely does have its downsides. But it’s up to us how we use it at the end of the day – the great thing is we can curate our technology usage to benefit us!
This was really interesting to read x
I’d have gone nuts if we didn’t have the technology for me to be able to have internet, social media etc Whilst there are some negatives to it I think overall I have a really positive view of technology. Without it, I would be totally isolated from the world. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
I think tech, in so many forms, has definitely improved out lives on the whole x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
I’ve never really thought about technology like this, but you’re absolutely right, it has changed our lives for the better! It has given us so many more opportunities and I have made so many friends through it too! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you! 😌
You make some really great points. On the whole it is brilliant. I am glad I grew up in a time before this all really came about.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
It’s so true! It’s really changed the whole world. It’s really connected us to people, but also opportunities. I don’t know where I’d be without it!
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
Same here, although we wouldn’t know any different would we? 😌
Yeah, true! What a BIZARRE thought though!
I think technology can have its downsides but for the most part, it’s amazing! I love how it connects us to people all over the world (something that I’m mega grateful for when we go travelling!) xx
Yep I agree it definitely has its negatives but then again, everything does!
I definitely agree with you! Technology was created to improve our lives, and even though there are a quite many sketchy ones that have been created (automatic door locks & stuff like that), living on this era has been amazing. However, sometimes I feel like we’re relying on tech way too much in the most simple things that once were easy to do without it.
You’ve made some great points here!
I agree, it definitely does have its faults for sure. For the most part, it’s amazing!
I completely agree with you, Jenny! Technology has really made my life so much easier, as, like you, I suffer from anxiety. When my husband’s away at work I find lots of really trivial things almost impossible, so being able to do so much online is really a game-changer. I also agree with your point about social media – while I can often find it quite overwhelming and it’s sometimes really negative, I’d be so lonely without it. I really am very grateful to live in a world where technology is so prevalent!
Beth x Adventure & Anxiety
Social media can definitely go both ways but I think it’s very much down to who / what we follow too! We can curate our social media and that’s amazing!
I’m a huge hypocrite here because I owe it basically the same things that you do. And I have the worst memory so I’m very grateful that I can order my prescriptions online at 2am when I forget to call for one during the day. But I do hate the impact it’s had on real world relationships, the lack of face to face conversation and the fact that people’s self worth relies heavily on instagram likes! I love it, but I think we could all do with taking a step back. She says from here phone…🙄 x
Sophie
Oh the self worth thing I HATE as well. I’ve definitely got sucked into that element of being online!
I cannot express how much I love social media, and how much I agree with your post. I would never have lived an exciting life as I do now without it; from things such as visiting some friends in Bordeaux or going to blogger meetups to see all of my blogger pals. I feel so lost without it! My relationship with tech is really good because of the amazing opportunities that I’ve had through it, and they far outweigh the bad
I totally agree, for me too the positives outweigh the negatives! 😘
It sure has helped us a lot ,but it also makes us even more shy and talk less. I wish people would just sometimes take their noses out of phones and see the beauty around.
But I love reading your post and you have a very cute blog xx
anions.blogspot.com
Not everyone! I think if anything it’s made me more confident!
I am kind of a geek myself, and I couldn’t agree more with you. Technology has changed our lives mainly by simplifying it, but also it gives us access to an endless source of content. I’m mainly grateful for free university courses, and apps like blinkist or duolingo.
With my phone I get inspired and I learn everyday! And sometimes I order a pizza as well…
I love Duolingo! I started using it again a while ago but stopped so I really need to pick it back up!
Yes this app is really great! I do a session every day, and I learn a lot 🙂
I agree with all of these points! Technology has enabled me to start my blog and connect with people, as well as share my writing, helping greatly with my mental health. I’m also a big gamer and it’s such a good way to escape, I don’t know where I’d be without my consoles throughout the years!
I totally agree, gaming is the BEST way to escape!
Technology is such an amazing thing, it has it’s faults but I’m not sure where I’d be without it now! I started my blog after leaving uni and first being diagnosed with anxiety and it’s got me through so many hard times, I can’t imagine not being able to have that anymore xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I’m very similar! My blog saved my life more or less. Technology definitely is amazing!
I agree. I wouldn’t have my business without it. Neither would I be able to study online in my spare time.
Studying online is so useful!
I really agree with everything you’ve said here. I am so happy that its allowed you to feel safe. And i am intrigued about making a living online. I am totally connected to my technology and social media. I am constantly trying to promote my blog and staying connected with family and friends. As for gaming, lol it makes me nervous so i dont do it. I am very interested in an tips you have on how to monetize my online presence. Please feel free to add me to your friends list if you ever just want to chat.
Why does gaming make you nervous haha? I have plenty of posts about blogging as a business and working with brands etc 😌
Lol apparently I just don’t have good hand/eye coordination, everything goes so fast! Yes, ma’am i found your website and FB page, haven’t read the ebook yet but I will asap. Thanks so much!
I personally love and hate social media. But, like you it’s brought so much to me, on a positive. Like you I wouldn’t have my blog, which is my little baby.
Haha same! I don’t know what I’d do without my blog now!
You’re so right! I often moan about technology when it goes wrong because we’re so used to our lives being made easier with it, so when it doesn’t work everything comes to a standstill. I’m so grateful for it now and couldn’t imagine life without it!
Lozza
http://girlygabble.com
I think we can learn to adapt without it when it doesn’t work though! But it does come at a bit of a shock haha!