In the year 2026, we use technology for everything, whether it’s cars, cell phones, AirPods, gaming consoles, or even digital boards in schools. We are too over-reliant on technology, and I realized this when I was lying down in my bed one night. I had not just my television on playing rain noises, but also had my phone playing a mini documentary on YouTube. This one event led to a greater realization of our over-reliance on technology and made me think about how truly attached we are to our electronics throughout the day.
The first example that came to mind was obviously how people listen to noise on televisions or their cellphones to go to bed at night like me. In my case, I needed not just one but both of those devices to help me sleep due to how active my mind is at night. I don’t know how I would have been able to sleep without noise like my parents did growing up in the mid-80’s. We use this technology to block out our minds. Even when I was growing up at the age of seven or eight I would use my PSP to help me fall asleep. It is clear that this isn’t just a new effect of technology having a big influence on our lives, it is something that has grown over the last two decades.
The next thing I had thought about is how computers and AI (no, not Allen Iverson) are being used in schools. We as students are so used to having our essays, grades, and exams on our computers and easily accessed through the internet. Students and teachers alike also use artificial intelligence, although for different purposes. Students often use it to cheat and check grammar, while teachers use AI to create assignments, give feedback, etc. We have almost moved on completely from paper assignments and have also embraced the use of artificial intelligence to the point that Virginia Beach City Public Schools allows AI use to help with grammar. Schools are keeping us glued to our screens in an already unhealthy country that also wants us to stay off of our cellphones. Without AI, some people might not be able to keep that 4.0 grade point average or pass classes because they don’t pay attention knowing the AI will do the job for them.
The last thing I thought about before I finally fell asleep was that even when using the bathroom we use technology. People will sit on the toilet for twenty minutes (I know from personal experience) because I was just scrolling on TikTok or Instagram Reels, sucked into my phone. At work where we can’t have our phones on us, using the bathroom feels like a million years when in reality six minutes have passed. Many users online comment on videos mentioning that they are scrolling on TikTok or listening to Spotify in the bathroom.
Overall, these examples showcase our overreliance on technology and I also can’t think of an action that we don’t use technology with. We use it while working out, eating, writing essays, going on walks, on the plane, etc. Whether this is a good thing or bad thing has remained to be seen, but eventually time will tell. Whether we like it or not technology is a huge influence in our lives and might be forever. And to think I thought of all of this while trying to calm and sleep.
