How Technology Impacts Our Daily Lives
Technology has become so woven into everyday life that it’s hard to imagine how we functioned without it. In 2023, 98% of adults aged 16–24 owned a smartphone in the UK. Even in older age groups, adoption remains high — 86% of people aged 55–64 and 80% of those over 65 now carry a smartphone. Globally, around 1.34 billion phones were purchased in 2023, and the online population jumped from 5 billion internet users in 2022 to 5.3 billion in 2023. The numbers speak for themselves: technology isn’t slowing down, and neither is our dependence on it.
Think about it — how many times a day do you reach for your phone? How often do you Google something without even thinking? From school to work to everyday communication, tech influences almost everything we do. Let’s take a closer look at how it shapes our lives.
How Is Technology Used in Our Daily Life?
Whether it’s keeping in touch, learning something new or simply passing the time, technology plays a central role. Communication is one of the biggest examples — texting friends, video calling family members, emailing your boss or joining a virtual meeting has become second nature. What once required face-to-face interaction can now happen instantly from anywhere in the world.
Technology also connects us to people we might never meet otherwise. From global friendships to staying updated with news across the world, it opens up conversations and opportunities that wouldn’t be possible without the devices in our pockets.
But as useful as it is, there are moments where our reliance on technology becomes a bit too noticeable — so it’s worth understanding both the positives and the drawbacks.
How We Use Technology Every Day
Here are just a few everyday examples of how technology appears in our routines:
- Telling the time: digital clocks, smartphones, smartwatches.
- Cooking: air fryers, microwaves, blenders and smart appliances.
- Transport: ordering taxis through apps, using navigation tools, and exploring the future of autonomous vehicles.
- Shopping: browsing online, using augmented reality to preview products.
- Healthcare: remote GP appointments, health apps, wearable fitness trackers.
Pros and Cons of Daily Tech Use
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easier, faster communication | Access to incorrect or harmful information |
| Entertainment, news and educational tools | Cyberbullying and online harassment |
| Improves learning beyond the classroom | Certain jobs replaced by automation |
| Makes everyday tasks more convenient | Risk of tech addiction |
What Are the Disadvantages of Technology?
Despite the advantages, technology does come with challenges. Automation has changed careers across multiple industries — data entry, customer service and even software testing are increasingly handled by AI and automated tools. While innovation creates new roles, it also reshapes or replaces others.
Social media brings its own concerns. While it helps millions of people connect, learn and even build careers in content creation, it can also contribute to comparison culture, low self-esteem and mental health struggles. It’s easy to forget how much online content is curated or edited, and constant exposure can take its toll.
Tech can affect us physically too. Late-night scrolling, notifications and endless entertainment options can disrupt sleep patterns and concentration — especially when there are no boundaries in place.
If you’re curious about what’s next in the smartphone world, our roundup of rollable phones in 2024 shows just how fast new ideas are emerging.
Technology’s Role Going Forward
Technology has transformed our lives in ways that would’ve seemed impossible a few decades ago. Yes, it has downsides, but the benefits — from AI to augmented reality — continue to reshape how we work, learn, travel and communicate. And if nothing else, reading this on your phone, tablet or laptop is a perfect reminder of how central tech is to daily life.
If you’re looking to upgrade your own setup, the refurbished tech range has everything from smartphones to laptops and tablets at prices that make staying connected much easier.
