The Negative Effects Of Technology And Productivity In The Workplace

Just over ten years ago, there existed a civilization that society today could not even fathom having to live through. It was a time and place where all the information in the world was not at our fingertips and our lives were not controlled by validation. It was a time and place without an iPhone. While it is important to note that the iPhone is just one of the many devices that society considers a necessity, it is hard to imagine live without it. In recent years, technology has been advancing exponentially, and with this, there has been a looming question concerning its effects and whether they are beneficial or detrimental to the user’s productivity, specifically in the workplace. What those who choose to neglect the benefits do not see is the power it yields in terms of production. The applications and improvements made are seen as essential in the eyes of millenials in order to do their jobs effectively (York, 2017). The misconception that technology is detrimental in the workplace stems
From research performed by Blinder and Quant, two authors from the Atlantic, they concluded that “Some of the fun [from new technology] may come at the expense of productivity” (Blinder & Quant, 1997). They believe millenials and other people in the workplace that are supposed to be using technology as a tool for work, actually use it to play games or use other applications such as Facebook or YouTube that may distract them from their main goal of working. In their research they also found that as new technology is always being released, it’s a waste of time when employees spend it trying to learn new programs. Although, this may seem like a valid point, in reality people can distract themselves with almost anything, it’s just human nature. Additionally, consumers of distracting programs should have the willpower not to lose themselves in the entertainment of