Mindless or mindful technology?

Abstract

We are increasingly living in our digital bubbles. Even when physically together -- as families and friends in our living rooms, outdoors and public places -- we have our eyes glued to our own phones, tablets and laptops. The new generation of "all about me" health and fitness gadgets, that is becoming more mainstream, is making it worse. Do we really need smart shoes that tell us when we are being lazy and glasses that tell us what we can and cannot eat? Is this what we want from technology -- ever more forms of digital narcissism, virtual nagging and data addiction? In contrast, I argue for a radical rethink of our relationship with future digital technologies. One that inspires us, through shared devices, tools and data, to be more creative, playful and thoughtful of each other and our surrounding environments.