Has technology really made life easier? One writer’s battle with a broadband router suggests otherwise

Recently I was  advised by my broadband provider that a new router would make things much more efficient, quicker even. I thought this is a good idea I will sign up, I will be able to do so much  more and give me the freedom to do other things with time I have saved. The box arrived, with minimal instructions and I confidently thought, “How hard can it be?” Well after I couldn’t tell if the new tech was switched on or not and when my smart phone told me it could no longer connect to the internet, I realised it maybe a slightly more complex than my simple mind could manage.

As I write this article, I am waiting for the engineer to come and fit my new box, that will if as advertised, make things simpler for me. It got me to thinking about technology and the claims that it has made everything better, faster, seamless. Technology is great apparently, it works quietly in the background doing stuff, except for when I am shouting at my Smart Speaker or PC because it is not actually doing what I have asked. Some people might say that is just operator error and that maybe true, but I do think there is a case to say that technology has not saved us any time.

I have researched this, I did have to use the computer to find the facts, so I am kind of shooting myself in the foot with this one, but my search revealed that Economists have documented for decades that despite rapid advances in computing, productivity growth has not accelerated as expected. I won’t bore you with the data, let’s just assume, that is right. It is apparently a production paradox, despite all our apps, devices and systems, we’re not actually getting more done per hour. I am certainly not whilst waiting for my engineer, but on the other hand maybe I am, because I am writing this!

To keep things balanced, I guess I could assume that technology has reshaped our lives. We are back to speed and convenience, things that used to take hours can now been done quickly from the comfort of our homes, banking, booking a holiday, finding information to name a few. There is no longer any need to carry maps, cameras, encyclopaedias, and communication tools in our pockets, they can all be wrapped into a single device.

At Torbay Hospital for example the evidence is compelling, MRI scanners, digital records (now found in the NHS Epic system) and AI-assisted diagnostics mean earlier detection, safer treatments, and longer lives, thanks to technologies that didn’t exist a generation ago. It’s hard to deny these are improvements.  I still think there is much to be said for a one to one consultation, either with a doctor, bank manager or travel agent, especially if your broadband is letting you down, even if I should be able to fix it myself.

The engineer has arrived, I have to say he was very patient with me as I explained how I could not follow a set of simple instructions. He even said that he struggled putting together a flat pack cabinet over the weekend. I am not sure that’s true but it did make me feel slightly less useless. When you have done something time and again it becomes second nature, midwives delivering a baby or a bank manager saying ‘no.’ so when this chap, flicked a couple of switches, connected a few cables and zapped a QR code with his phone it all seemed so straightforward. We were up and running in no time, thank goodness for someone who knows what he is doing.

Unfortunately now he has gone, I find I have forgotten the new password and have apparently locked myself out of my email account (again). Now where did I put the number for the helpline?