Being human in a technological age : A study of the impacts of smart technology usage

Abstract: Today humans are using a large amount of smart technology to support their daily activities, for instance smartphones, tablets and computers. The relationship towards technology is changing, and with the change comes questions. In this thesis a qualitative interview study was used to deepen the understanding of humans’ daily use of technology and its impacts on their daily life. The study has shown that humans’ technology usage has both positive and negative impacts on their daily life. For instance that hyper-connectivity broadens humans network of contacts and they constantly has the possibility to reach out into the world without having to travel. However, the study has also shown that hyper-connectivity creates technodependence which appears to reinforce bad characteristics, for instance laziness and seclusion since humans tend to prefer socializing through technology instead of in real life. Finally, the study has also shown that the experienced advantages of being connected predominates the disadvantages, which result in a decreased feeling of technology usage being harmful.