Chapter 6: Technology Versus Work Versus Life

Technology devices, such as smartphones, are becoming ubiquitous. In this chapter we explore whether new technologies of this type are helping or hindering peoples’ relationship with their work, and whether the disappearing of boundaries between work and nonwork should be of concern. In addition, we address the broader societal impact of the use of technology devices for both work and nonwork purposes, in the context of a society in which people are working ever harder. The advent of these devices has resulted in an ability to get work done at any time, in any place. Coupled with increasingly long work hours and higher levels of work intensity than in the past, such concerns as stress, dangerous use of devices while driving, and attention losses from attempts to multitask, have become serious concerns for society in general. These issues cannot be solved by any one stakeholder group alone. We issue a call to action, and provide suggestions for individuals, employers, technology manufacturers, and society in general.