As you may have noticed, new technology continues to have an impact on how Americans live. Experts have long predicted a exponential increase in the rate at which we experience progess, and by all accounts, we seem to be getting there. You yourself have likely witnessed major changes to how we do business, manage relationships, and even manage our entertainment in recent years. In this turbulent yet exciting technological landscape, it’s important to take account of how our lives are shifting. Here are some ways technology is changing how Americans live.
How We Drive
Have you tried a new vehicle lately? If so, you may have noticed that auto technology is changing how Americans drive. Driver Assisted Technology (DAT) may be helping Americans to stay safer on the road. Lane change warnings, parking assists, and other new technological features support drivers that may help reduce the number of accidents. According to the Department of Transportation, there are about 6 million accidents annually in the United States. DAT may be starting to help reduce that number.
Driver-assisted tech is especially beneficial to any carrier business with a fleet of vehicles on the road. Lane centering assistance, backup alerts, steering control features, backup cameras, and more are all helpful tools for any business that depends on a fleet of vehicles to conduct their business.
How We Get Medical Care
Medical technology has evolved tremendously over the last two decades. More Americans are using video chat to reach their providers than ever. This is great news for those with travel difficulties or those with transmissable illnesses. In addition, more Americans are opting for creative, less invasive care methods to save money. For example, according to PT Times, physical therapy these days can lower patient costs by a whopping 72%. Of course, our wallets are seeing changes in more ways than one. New technology makes it possible to develop more accurate treatment plans so that many trial-and-error treatments fall by the wayside.
How We Are Entertained
Twenty years ago, “streaming” had a different meaning than today. Today, more Americans are streaming their at-home entertainment than those that depend on what we now consider “classic” entertainment options. Many people have cut the plug on cable and satellite TV and use streaming services to bring entertainment into their homes.
Not too long ago, receiving television via the Internet was a very foreign concept. Today it is the norm. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other services in the entertainment business have quickly replaced other entertainment options. Gaming is also inching into the realm of cloud-based services, hinting that our entertainment may become even less physical over time.
How We Manage Our Homes
Technology has greatly impacted how we manage our homes. You can control your HVAC from anywhere today with an app. Of course, the HVAC business is not the only business in your home we control differently today. New technology can locate where energy losses are happening so they can be repaired. For example, according to the Department of Energy, duct loss can account for about 30% of energy consumption. Reducing your energy bill has never been quite so easy.
How we get food for our home has also changed with the advent of the gig economy. In addition, new smart technology options make controlling lighting, refrigerators, dishwashers, and even washing machines easier than ever before. Very nearly everything at home can be connected with an app on your smartphone.
How We Manage Relationships
Thirty years ago, if you needed to reach someone out of state, you needed to call “long distance,” which could get exceptionally expensive. Today, you can reach anyone you want around the globe using online technology. It’s not only how we keep in touch that has changed, but also how we meet each other.
Today, checking out an online dating site to find a Saturday night date is widespread. Americans are no longer limited to options in their community to find a partner. They can meet people across the country or globally to find their partners. No one is limited to who they speak to any longer. The world has gotten smaller thanks to new technologies. Social media keep family and friends connected no matter where they live.
It’s difficult to quantify the ways in which technology has improved our lives. It continues to make life more convenient, and will continue to evolve and improve how we do business and enjoy life. Keep your eye out for the changes to come, and try to remember what life was like not too long ago.
