Post 21

In this post I will argue that the R&D of technology has led to an imbalance in work life and leisure life and creates health problems. Those who work understand that employers require workers to be flexible with their schedules. This often means working from home (for those who have remote access or are given a “work” computer) and working crazy hours. But, what is more alarming is that despite increased hours and expected flexibility, wages have not really increased over the years. In fact, wage growth is virtually absent compared to the past. As James Pethokoukis writes, “Not so good was take-home pay. Where is the wage growth? Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by just 3 cents to $24.57, meaning that over the year earnings have risen by just 2.0%, barely above inflation” (1). This means that workers are not being compensated for an increase in work hours with a raise in pay.

More and more workers are given laptops to allow mobility and flexibility, and this has translated to an expectation amongst employers that they will work from home and off site. Many times, this encourages workers to continue into late hours of the night when they should relax and spend time with family. When people feel tired of work they then “relax” by watching TV, catching up on the latest social media, or texting friends and family. This means more exposure to electronics and increased “screen time”. The obvious health issues such as tired and dry eyes, inability to sleep and sore thumbs and hands is a direct result of this imbalanced lifestyle that we have come to know in America. According to Woodhouse, “Employees in the U.S. work many more hours than do their counterparts in most European countries” (3).

The invention of the smartphone has also caused many unintended consequences for its users. For example, many employers now expect their employees to use their smartphones, or company smartphones to keep up with email and other work related activities. Which means that an escape from technology and “screen time” is harder and harder with the research and development of technology. Part of the problem is that we are usually sitting when using things like laptops, tablets and smartphones, which leads to a lack of physical activity. Therefore, in some aspects, increased use of technology is feeding obesity.

Sources

"October Employment Report: Jobs Are Up, but Wages Are Going Nowhere." AEI. Web. 24 Nov. 2014. <http://www.aei.org/publication/raise-another-jobs-report-wage-growth-nowhere-found/>.

O'Connor, Chad. "Screen Time Rules, for the Adult Set." Boston.com. The New York Times, 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2014. <http://www.boston.com/business/blogs/global-business-hub/2013/09/screen_time_rul.html>.

Science, Technology and Society Textbook