“iPhone” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by hyku
The improvements in mobile technology over the past decade have made some simple aspects of life significantly easier. Almost every mundane task can, and is, performed on either your phone or tablet these days. The rise of smartphones and tablets have certainly been a game-changer.
Let’s look at dating: We don’t bother asking people out on a date IRL anymore – why would anyone bother with that when you can simply order a human being for a date in the same way we would order a pizza. We don’t go to record stores anymore; we download tunes. We don’t go to the supermarket; we get our groceries delivered online. We don’t consume news and current affairs by buying a newspaper like the previous generation did; we have digital media now. Shall I go on? The societal changes that mobile tech brought about are so far-reaching it’s pretty unbelievable.
However, the usage of these devices is creating a new social phenomenon: addiction to the digital world. Stories have emerged about people walking into traffic playing Pokémon GO, which brought about awareness campaigns from the creators of the phenomenally popular app.
There are other issues with online activity and our habits. Some argue that they are encroaching on our day-to-day activities too much; seeping into all facets of life; taking over even simple, benign activities such as relieving yourself on the toilet. A study carried out by e-commerce marketplace Voucherbox found that 51 percent of people admitted to shopping online while using the toilet. Does this highlight a situation where we are struggling to rid ourselves from our phones or mobile devices even for a matter of minutes?
The study suggests that, due to the volume of purchases, there is an epidemic occurring with online spending. But how have we got to this stage? Some have suggested that it could be explained by sites like Ebay that contain bidding processes. The logic is that a user may be determined to snag a particular item ahead of a rival bidder.
Most people have their bank details readily installed on their mobile devices, so performing a transaction can be done by simply clicking on the app and pressing ‘purchase’. Some commentators have suggested that online impulse buying is on the rise. Instead of purchasing one or two items on the high street it can be much more online from a variety of different retailers.
Due to the diversity of products found online and the competition provided, retailers will often attempt to draw people in with special offers. The ease in which these can be relayed over email, text or messaging apps, alerting people to deals without the difficulty of actually going to the store, intensifies the ease of transaction. And also the problem of impulse spending.
“Online Shopping with Touchscreen Ultrabo” (CC BY 2.0) by IntelFreePress
Given our hopeless dependency on the internet, people seem to be getting locked into a perpetual cycle of internet spending. After all, anything that gives us pleasure is habitual – that’s just human nature. Almost every website online has some form of advertising which will be promoting retailers. Therefore, even by going to work during the day there is no escape from seeing these offers. There’s nowhere to hide.
“How Businesses Will Survive Ad Blocking” (CC BY 2.0) by Joe The Goat Farmer
Adblockers can be deployed to amend the issue, but some websites are beginning to find ways to get around this. Removing the ease of payment could be a benefit when mitigating these issues. For example, you’re not going to find your credit or debit card details if you’re sitting on the toilet. Plus, if you find an item you like, having to find your card details could make you actually consider your decision. Can you afford to purchase the latest gadget? Maybe not.
Developments online are exciting but are not without their dangers. Care needs to be taken. The Voucherbox study does suggests that maybe a little spell away from your mobile device may not be bad thing for your health. Or your bank balance.
