You’ve probably heard the idea that we’re so hooked on technology that we couldn’t “go backward” even if we wanted to. But are we really so dependent on it, or is it just a matter of choice? Let’s dive into whether human nature would even allow us to let go of technology in any meaningful way—and what that means for our future.
Let’s face it: technology makes life easier. We’re wired to want things to be quicker, simpler, and more convenient. That’s human nature. Just think about it—when was the last time you consciously chose the harder, slower option? Whether it’s communicating, cooking, or even finding a ride, we’re used to doing it all with a swipe or a tap. That level of convenience is addictive, and once it’s woven into our lives, it’s really hard to give up.
As a society, we tend to think of technology as a sign of progress. It’s the proof that we’re “moving forward.” The more advanced we get, the more successful we feel, right? So, saying goodbye to technology would feel a lot like losing that sense of progress, like we’re actually going backward. And that’s not something most of us want to do! Technology isn’t just about making life easier; it’s tied up in our identity, our aspirations, and how we measure our success.
It’s more than just convenience—we depend on it. In many ways, technology holds our world together. Our health systems, education, economies, and even our daily routines rely on tech. Imagine trying to run a hospital without modern equipment or an economy without digital transactions—chaos would break out. It’s not just that we like our technology; we’re built around it. We’ve set up our lives so that technology isn’t just an add-on but a foundation, which means that letting go of it would disrupt everything.
The problem of “unlearning” technology is once we know something—especially something that makes life better—it’s tough to “unknow” it. As curious beings, we’re always asking, “What’s next?” not “Can we go back?” Giving up technology would mean unlearning things we’ve gotten used to and are even proud of. For most people, that would feel like giving up, not improving. So, even if we wanted to rewind to simpler days, it would be a huge challenge.
Can we ever actually scale it back? While a full regression seems unlikely, there’s been a big movement toward finding a balance with technology. People are starting to ask, “How much technology is enough?” Digital detoxes, minimalism, and conscious tech use are real trends, showing that maybe the answer isn’t all or nothing. Instead of “going back” from technology, we’re learning to redefine how we use it. We can still be connected, but maybe in a way that feels more controlled and intentional.
Are we too dependent? Yes and no. We’ve built a world that leans on technology so heavily that fully stepping away from it would shake everything up. But that doesn’t mean we can’t change how we use it. It’s not about abandoning technology; it’s about using it in ways that actually improve our lives, rather than letting it control us.
In the end, it’s not that humans couldn’t live without all the tech, but that we probably wouldn’t want to. We’re wired to build, expand, and improve on what we know. Going “backward” isn’t in our nature, but taking a step to the side and re-evaluating what we really need? That’s something we can do. The trick might be finding that sweet spot where technology serves us, not the other way around.