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A variety of technologies are emerging to support more sustainable lifestyles. These tools are designed to intervene at different points in our consumption patterns, from providing information to automating efficiency.

• Information and Feedback → Apps that track your carbon footprint, smart meters that show real-time energy use, and platforms that rate the sustainability of brands all fall into this category. They work by making the invisible impacts of our consumption visible, allowing us to make more informed decisions.
• Efficiency and Automation → This includes technologies like smart home devices that reduce energy consumption automatically, advanced recycling systems that sort waste more effectively, and precision agriculture technologies that reduce water and pesticide use. These tools reduce our environmental impact without requiring constant active effort.
• Sharing and Access → The rise of the sharing economy, facilitated by digital platforms, offers a powerful alternative to ownership. Services for ride-sharing, tool libraries, and clothing rentals allow us to access the goods and services we need without the resource intensity of individual ownership.

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Our everyday actions, when multiplied by billions of people, create significant environmental pressures. The products we purchase, the food we eat, and the way we power our homes are all points of intervention. Technology offers tools to make these daily choices more visible and their consequences more understandable.

For instance, a smart thermostat learns your household’s patterns to reduce energy waste without sacrificing comfort, while apps can provide information on a product’s environmental footprint at the point of purchase. Research shows that over two-thirds of consumers believe technology is a key enabler for a more sustainable lifestyle, and a significant portion desire apps that offer clear guidance on how to live more sustainably.

The design of our technological world directly shapes the sustainability of our personal worlds.

The challenge is that convenience and price often outweigh environmental considerations in purchasing decisions. A lack of clear information about which products are genuinely sustainable is a major barrier for many shoppers. This is where technology can bridge the gap, by making sustainable options more accessible, understandable, and ultimately, more desirable. Digital marketplaces dedicated to sustainable products are one such solution that is gaining traction, particularly in Asian markets.

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The intersection of technology and lifestyle describes how digital tools and engineered systems are becoming deeply embedded in our daily routines, shaping our choices and, in turn, our collective impact on the planet. This relationship is a two-way street; while technology influences our habits, our values and desires for a more sustainable way of living are also driving the creation of new technologies. It is about the apps on our phones that help us make greener choices, the smart appliances in our homes that optimize energyMeaning → The Energy domain delves into the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources and the future of power generation.  use, and the electric vehicles that change how we move through our cities. At its heart, this connection explores how we can use innovation to live in greater alignment with our environmental values.

Human behavior is the foundation for nearly all environmental issues, from pollution to climate change. The way we live, the products we buy, and the energy we consume are all parts of a complex web of habits and decisions. Understanding the psychology behind these behaviors is therefore essential.

It helps explain why we sometimes act in ways that are out of step with our concerns for the planet. The goal within sustainability is to create conditions where making the sustainable choice feels like the most natural and appealing option available.

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Technology may affect children in many of the same ways as adults, but because their brains are still developing, there may be some unique considerations.

Behavior problems

A 2019 United States study found that a higher amount of screen time in children ages between 9 and 10 had links to increased behavior problems.

The scientists found that this was largely explainable by the effect of technology use on sleep. The more sleep participants got, the fewer behavioral problems parents reported.

Difficulty concentrating

A large study from 2019Trusted Source in Canada found an association between screen time in children under 5 and a greater prevalence of symptoms resembling attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Specifically, they found that children getting screen time of over 2 hours a day had a 7.7-fold higher risk of meeting the criteria for ADHD.

However, this does not necessarily mean that screen time causes ADHD. The authors say that it is possible that parents of children with more symptoms offered more screen time as a way to soothe them.

Additionally, out of over 2,400 children involved in the study, only 24 (1%) met the criteria for ADHD.

The parents were also generally older in age, white, and from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, meaning these results may not represent the broader population.

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Whether technology helps or hinders social interactions between people is a subject of debate.

A 2017 study of young adults in the United States ages 19 to 32 years found that those with higher social media use were more than three times as likely to feel socially isolated than those who did not use it as often.

However, a 2022 review of past studies found that knowing how to use technologies such as instant messaging apps decreased feelings of isolation in older adults.

It may be that people’s motivations for using technology — and how they use it — affect whether they feel more or less connected to others.

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Technology use may increase the risk of physical issues as well, including:

Eyestrain

Technologies, such as handheld tablets, smartphones, and computers, can hold a person’s attention for long periods, which may lead to eyestrain.

Symptoms of digital eyestrain can include dry, tired eyes and a headache. Taking regular breaks away from the screen may reduce the likelihood of this issue.

Anyone regularly experiencing these symptoms needs to consult an optometrist for a checkup.

The 20-20-20 rule for digital viewing

The American Optometric Association recommends using the 20-20-20 rule when using any form of digital screen for longer periods of time.

To apply the rule, after every 20 minutes of screen time, a person needs to take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away.

Doing this may help reduce the strain on the eyes from staring at a screen for a continuous period.

Sleep problems

Using technology close to bedtime or during the night may interfere with sleep.

A 2021 study of young adults found that cellphone use before bed predicted difficulty sleeping. The effect was more pronounced when participants used their phones to look at emotionally-charged content.

Gentle activities to wind down, such as reading a book, doing gentle stretches, or taking a bath, can be suitable alternatives.

Changes in physical activity

Modern technologies often encourage people to be more sedentary while they watch television, play games, or use the internet. Research from 2020 has shown an association between using electronic devices and increased time spent sitting, which can have harmful long-term effects.

However, it is also true that technology can help people exercise.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a 2021 study notes that many individuals used fitness apps and trackers to find motivation to exercise. Indoor exercise equipment helped people continue their workouts, while some took up new forms of exercise using online tutorials.

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Overuse or dependence on technology may have adverse psychological effects, including:

Negative body image

One of the most well-studied effects of social media use is on body image, or how satisfied a person is with their appearance.

A 2022 review notes that image-based social media platforms have a stronger association with a negative body image than text-based platforms, as do several behaviors relating to social media use, such as:

• taking and editing selfies
• viewing “fitspiration” content or posts that promote thinness
• comments that promote an ideal body type

In contrast, body positive content, which promotes a positive view of all bodies regardless of shape or size, had an association with better body image.

Depression

A 2021 review of past research found a weak but significant association between time spent on social media and depression symptoms.

However, there was a stronger link between problematic social media use and depression. This suggests people using social media in less healthy ways could be more at risk for depression.

Again, though, this study does not establish a causal relationship between social media and depression. More research is necessary to understand the relationship.

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Modern technology allows people to be more connected than ever, but there may be downsides. Excess social media and mobile device use may result in eyestrain, neck pain, and difficulty sleeping.

While some forms of technology may have made positive changes in the world, there is also evidence for the negative effects of technology and its overuse.

In this article, learn about the psychological and physical health effects of technology and how to create more positive habits with technology and avoid overuse.

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Another way technology is influencing modern living is the health aspect.

Thanks to health tracking devices, people has been using tech to stay trim for fit and healthy.

Aside from that, instant feedback and recommendations from devices that can monitor our workouts as we complete them.

Example of health tracking devices includes smartwatch, fitness tracker, ECG monitor, blood pressure monitor, smart thermometer and connected inhaler.  

Since there are so many new technologies to keep track of, it can seem overwhelming to adapt.

There is no denying that technology has, and will continue to, have a huge impact on our lives, in one way or another.

However, all these new technologies are designed to make your life easier.

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The influence of technology has empowered consumerism.

First, consumers are more connected to business.

With the vast majority of people owning a tablet, laptop or smartphone, consumers can research products and due to easy access to a virtual shop, consumers can shop where ever they want.

Aside from that, consumers can use social media channels to submit customer service queries and interact with brands.

Secondly, purchasing power is greater it is today compared to how it was few decades ago.

Thanks to contactless cards and phone payments, payment has been made easier as customers have more than one option to purchase their products.

For instance, customers don’t need to worry about handing over cash or keying in a pin number.

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