The tools, devices, and apps that have transformed modern life into a permanent beta test, ranging from the smartphone in your pocket (a supercomputer that also takes mediocre photos of your lunch) to the "smart" fridge that notifies you when you're out of milk but can't actually order it. Digital technologies promise convenience but deliver a constant stream of notifications, updates, and the lingering fear that your devices are listening to you (they are, but only to sell you things). The most successful digital technology remains the "off" button, which is used approximately once a year.
Digital Technologies Example: "My new digital technologies include a watch that tracks my sleep (poorly), a phone that suggests emojis based on my facial expressions (creepily), and a vacuum that maps my floor plan but still gets stuck on the same sock every Tuesday. I live in the future, and the future is mildly annoying."
by Nammugal February 14, 2026
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