Technology has significantly transformed our daily lives, making tasks easier and more convenient. And while these gadgets and technologies offer convenience and efficiency, they also encourage a more sedentary lifestyle and reduce the need for physical and mental effort in daily tasks. To explain just what we mean, here are some gadgets that are making people lazier as the days go by.
Entertainment Streaming
We’ve had TV and cable for a long time now, which already hindered people’s desire to get active. Services like Netflix and Spotify provide endless entertainment and the ability to watch a whole season without the need to leave the couch, encouraging long periods of inactivity. At least with cable, we would complain nothing was on and get up to do something else.
Task Outsourcing Apps
Apps like TaskRabbit allow people to outsource everyday chores, which the Wall Street Journal argues “make us lazier and lead to social isolation.” It is one thing to outsource a job you may not be equipped to do, but is it the best decision to hire someone to fold your laundry?
Voice Assistants
Like remotes and apps, devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home make it possible to control various aspects of your home with voice commands, reducing the need to move or perform tasks manually. With voice assistants, we don’t even have to work out our thumb muscles.
Delivery Services
The pandemic proved we don’t have to leave our homes for anything. Between Amazon, Instacart, and UberEats, anything we want can be delivered to our door without even having to wait. Errands may not have been a whole workout but they were at least getting off the couch.
GPS
The reliance on GPS for navigation has primarily eliminated the need to learn routes. Popular Science did a study where they discovered that “when participants had to do the hard mental work of figuring out which way to turn, the researchers saw more activity in the subjects’ hippocampus—a part of the brain associated with memory and spatial navigation.” This may not make us physically lazy, but mental laziness is also something we need to be aware of.
Remote Controls for Home Appliances
We now have an app or a remote to control everything in our homes. We once had to get up to change the channel or volume on the TV, turn on or off lights, and see who was at the door. Technology that allows you to control lights, thermostats, and other home devices remotely can discourage physical movement even within the home.
Self-Lacing Sneakers
Take a step into the future with the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, an innovative sneaker featuring “adaptive lacing” technology that’s activated by a heel sensor that automatically tightens its laces. These sneakers come with two buttons at the side; one is for tightening up, and the other is for loosening down. Except for people with disabilities, being too lazy to tie your shoe may be a new low.
Pet Petter
I’m not sure what pet owner said, “You know what I can’t stand doing anymore, petting my pet.” But the box of this lazy gadget claims, “Never touch your pet again!” If petting and cuddling a furry soul doesn’t bring you joy, don’t get a pet instead of buying a Pet Petter.
Prism Glasses
Want to watch TV while lying down because sitting up is too much for you? Modern scientists have invented glasses to watch TV or read books lying down. This glass has a prism that allows you to watch TV or read books at an angle while lying on your bed. You can wear the prism glasses only or wear them over your ordinary glasses (including prescription glasses).
Body Dryer
You take a nice bath or shower, feeling relaxed, but now for the dreaded hassle of towel drying. But not anymore! If you have a handy body dryer, all you have to do is stand on the dryer, and the wind will blow you dry.
Self-Stirring Coffee Cup
This cup lets you give your hand a break from stirring a beverage in the morning. Well, my prayers have been answered because that spoon-holding muscle was tired.
Sandwich in a Can
With flavors like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate Stuffed French Toast, and BBQ Chicken, the Candwich can save you the two minutes it takes to make a sandwich. This sandwich in a can can last on your shelf for up to a year.
Butter Boss
Butter knives have lost their job. This lazy invention lets you glide butter over any surface with ease. Beyond Design says, “The Butter Boss seems like a pretty interesting kitchen gadget, and in reality, could provide a lot of support for grillers and cooks who use butter on a consistent basis.” You’ll never have to struggle to butter your toast again.
Desk Microwave
The microwave itself was a lazy invention to heat food without using the stove or oven. Now you can get even lazier by putting a miniature one at your desk, so you don’t even have to get off your bum to walk to the kitchen or break room.
Self-Making Bed
The dual temperature control of this duvet is actually genius and may save some marriages. But the lazy factor that it “makes itself” is baffling. Because true lazy people need it to also pull up the sheets, not the duvet only, and it would be even better if it changed and washed itself as well.
Banana Slicer
Bananas are not notoriously hard to cut like a pineapple or other fruits with a rind. However, someone thought we needed a one-press banana slicer, just in case a couple of swipes of a butter knife is too much work for you.
Roomba Robot Vacuum
This robot vacuum cleaner is one lazy gadget I can get behind. It’s compatible with Alexa, works with an app that allows you to fully customize its routine and make a map of your home, and even empties itself into its docking port for up to 60 days. Perfect for those who have pets, kids, or anything better to do with their time than vacuum.
Makeup Eraser
This magical plush cloth can take off every spot of makeup with just water, and you can wash and reuse it over and over and over. So put away those cleansers, washcloths, and everything else you need to cleanse at the end of the day; just wet this cloth, wipe off your makeup, and take a victory nap.