Are Our Lives Getting A Little Too Convenient?

We’ve all been there… scrolling mindlessly on Netflix instead of going to the cinema. I mean, why would we when everything we could want is at our fingertips, just a click away? 

In today’s world, convenience is all around us. Our brains, as humans, are constantly coming up with different ways to make our lives easier. However, this constant instant access to everything may take a contradictory turn and subsequently make our lives more difficult in the long run.  

During our lifetime, we all face countless decisions, in which we can generally choose the more complex and energy consuming option, or opt to take the easiest way out. 

In many cases, choosing convenience means sacrificing ethical morals for the sake of ease, and this can lead to many sorts of negative consequences. Like buying fast fashion over sustainable fashion. Fast fashion is cheaper, generally up to date on micro trends, and easier to access which makes it a lot more convenient to purchase than sustainable fashion. However, choosing the convenience of fast fashion might mean sacrificing your morals on the unethical behaviours tied to it, such as child labour or unfair wages.  

We humans have latched onto this idea that the easier the task, the better, and this has led to over-dependency on certain tools. According to a recent study, over a quarter (27%) of people in the UK claim they’ve never been taught how to read a map. Why would they, what with Google Maps and other online tools? However, this can make us feel less capable and take a negative toll on our mental health.

When things are always easy in life, it can make minor inconveniences seem like much bigger issues. Our patience slowly diminishes as our life rarely requires it, and this causes an increase in anxiety  when we are put in situations which require patience, such as waiting in a queue or simply just being bored.  

Convenience also gives us consumers more choice, not less. Due to streaming services, we can watch most films at home, and this infinite list of choice can be overwhelming and lead to decision fatigue. When everything is available, nothing truly feels special and this can make us dissatisfied with the choices we do make.

As well as effecting our mental health, convenience can also take a toll on our own physical health. Convenient options generally take the least amount of effort and energy – that’s what makes them convenient – and overtime, this can lead to a decrease in the amount of physical activity you do. Even attempting the simplest tasks in your life without taking shortcuts can help combat this, for example, taking the stairs instead of beelining subconsciously to the lift.

@bgirlie24 very niche but my fear of elevators isn’t getting any better lmao #claustrophobia #elevatorfear ♬ thank GOD – ♡ver boy

We could also try to find joy in the mundane – from using your time in the morning to fix yourself coffee as a form of mindfulness, to taking yourself on a shopping trip instead of buying items online. Convenience culture makes us rush all the time, and when our brains get used to such a high dopamine rush constantly, ordinary tasks may seem dull. However, slowing things down a bit and even simply changing your perspective on these things can lead to a myriad of benefits, like longevity and better physical and mental health.  

How to avoid convenience in everyday life

• Make a home cooked meal instead of ordering your favourite takeaway – save that for special occasions! 

• Where possible, walk or find a different method of transport, rather than driving everywhere! 

• When traveling, try not to use an on online satnav – opt for a physical map instead. However, do give yourself some extra time or leeway if you haven’t used a map before as it can take a bit of practice to get the hang of! 

• Limit your screen time on your devices to reduce scrolling as this can help force creativity in other aspects of life. 

• Instead of ordering clothes online straight to your door, go to your local shopping centre to look around and try clothes on. You can even bring your friends and make a day out of it! 

The paradox of convenience shows that in many ways, modern life has become easier, but it is important to just be mindful and not overuse it in every aspect of your life as it could come at a cost of our values, abilities and physical and mental wellbeing. 

Ultimately, learning when to choose convenience and when to embrace effort can allow us to live more responsibly and happily during our day to day lives. 

Words by Ciara Martin