Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but sometimes it feels like it’s doing the exact opposite sometimes.
From overly complicated gadgets to apps that create more stress than they solve, it’s clear that the promise of convenience doesn’t always deliver. I mean, have you seen the state of artificial intelligence? Everyone was worried it was going to take our jobs, but so far, it’s just junking up the internet even more. Here are 13 funny but painfully relatable ways technology has managed to make life less convenient instead of more.
1. Endless updates end up breaking everything.
Remember when you could buy something and it just worked forever? Now, every device you own demands constant updates. Your phone, computer, and even your smart fridge are always interrupting your day with, “Update now to avoid bugs!” Then the update arrives, and suddenly, your favourite app doesn’t work anymore.
2. You need a password for absolutely everything — and it should be different.
Every account, app, and streaming service demands a password that’s at least 12 characters long, includes symbols, and doesn’t resemble anything you’ve used before. Then there’s the joy of trying to remember which combination of your pet’s name and random numbers you used this time. Of course, if you write it down, you’re “compromising security.”
3. Smart gadgets aren’t actually all that smart.
Your smart thermostat won’t turn on because it’s lost Wi-Fi, and your smart speaker keeps playing the wrong song because it misunderstood your request. These “helpful” devices often cause more headaches than solutions. Sometimes, you just miss the simplicity of flipping a switch or turning a dial.
4. Endless notifications can really drive you nuts.
Your phone buzzes non-stop with notifications about emails, texts, app updates, news, and even your step count. It’s impossible to focus when technology is constantly shouting for your attention. And don’t even get us started on the apps that alert you just to say, “We miss you!” We don’t miss you back.
5. Customer service isn’t just overcomplicated, it’s nearly non-existent.
Gone are the days of calling and speaking to a real human. Now, you’re greeted by a chatbot that can’t understand your problem, followed by endless automated menus. By the time you reach an actual person (if you’re lucky), you’ve forgotten why you called in the first place.
6. There are far too many streaming services.
Source: Unsplash Instead of cable, we now juggle Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and about five others. By the time you’ve figured out which service has the show you want to watch, you’re too exhausted to hit play. Oh, and don’t forget to cancel the free trials you accidentally signed up for.
7. Everyone has an over-reliance on GPS.
GPS is great—until it sends you down a non-existent road or insists you “turn left now” across six lanes of traffic. And let’s not forget those times when it disconnects at the worst possible moment, leaving you hopelessly lost and cursing the technology you once trusted.
8. Social media has put a lot of pressure on all of us.
Sure, social media helps you connect with friends, but it also creates a never-ending pressure to curate your life. Suddenly, every meal, outfit, and holiday needs to be “post-worthy.” Instead of enjoying the moment, you’re angling for the perfect photo—and stressing over likes.
9. Everything requires a subscription these days.
Everything is a subscription now. Want to listen to music? Monthly fee. Need to edit a photo? Monthly fee. Your budget is bursting with tiny, forgettable charges that add up quickly. And when you try to cancel, they make it a labyrinthine process, because of course they do.
10. Work and life blur together more often than not.
With remote work and constant connectivity, it’s harder than ever to unplug. Your boss can email, text, or ping you on Slack anytime—and they usually do. Technology has made work more flexible, but it’s also made it harder to truly switch off and relax.
11. Online shopping paralyses you with endless options.
Online shopping is supposed to be easy, but now you’re bombarded with ads, reviews, and hundreds of similar options to sift through. “Add to cart” turns into a 30-minute rabbit hole of indecision and price comparisons. By the time you check out, you’ve forgotten why you even needed a new spatula.
12. A lot of apps make simple things complicated.
Need to order a coffee? There’s an app for that. Want to park your car? App. Everything now requires an app, a login, and probably a credit card. What used to take 30 seconds now involves downloading, registering, and hoping the app doesn’t crash. Sometimes, old-school methods were just better.
13. Some tech is too advanced for its own good.
From self-checkout machines that freeze mid-transaction to facial recognition that doesn’t recognise your face, advanced tech isn’t always reliable. It’s supposed to save time, but more often than not, it leaves you stuck waiting for help—or swearing at a machine.
