Technological Development and Lifestyle Changes

Abstract

The debate on technology and life style most often raises the question if one or the other is necessary/sufficient for sustainable development. In this paper I intend to demonstrate that interactions between them is more complex, arguing that technological development leads to life style changes, and vice versa that life style changes fosters new ways to use technology. Five different areas are described to illustrate this. Population growth has decreased in developed countries because of economic growth, improved health care, better education, and family planning tools all of which may be seen as part of technological development; it has led to a completely new family life with fewer children and decreasing population growth. In developed urban areas we see a reduced car use among a younger generation as public transport is improving; ICT offers new possibilities to meet without moving, also reducing travelling. Sharing music and films on the Internet is part of the life of younger generation; also many other forms of sharing resources rather than owning them can be pointed out. Finally working life is dramatically influenced by new technologies as increased automation is expected to lead to reduced working hours, while the private time may be influenced by raising interest for urban agriculture. Most life style changes discussed seem to be beneficial for sustainability.