Technology: From helping to manage to 'stealing' user time

Technology helps people organize their lives more effectively, from work reminders to studying and entertainment. But in that convenience, many people lose control of their time.

Many people's screen time is being dominated by entertainment content.

According to a survey, more than 72% of young Vietnamese people admit that they spend at least 3 hours a day surfing their phones without any specific purpose.

This figure raises a big question: is technology - once hailed as the 'perfect assistant' in time management - quietly becoming a thief of life's precious moments?

When technology becomes an ally

There is no denying the positive power that technology brings to time management. With a compact smartphone, users can check their work schedule, set reminders, and even exercise on time thanks to smart applications.

Platforms like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello help millions of people plan their studies and work in an orderly manner, optimizing every minute.

For young people, especially Gen Z, technology is also the key to learning anytime, anywhere, from learning foreign languages ​​on Duolingo to practicing soft skills on Coursera or Udemy. Not to mention 'digital meditation' apps like Headspace that help them manage stress and recharge amid busy schedules.

The silent thief

Along with that positive side is a worrying reality: technology itself is quietly and irresistibly taking up people's time.

On average, each Vietnamese person opens their phone more than 80 times a day, mainly not for work, but to surf social networks, watch short videos or play games for entertainment.

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, or YouTube Shorts with their endless scrolling mechanism make it easy for users to get lost in the endless amount of content.

What was originally planned as 15 minutes of entertainment can turn into an hour without us even realizing it. The ‘false busyness’ of constantly checking notifications, replying to messages, and updating social media tricks our brains into thinking we’re being productive, when in reality we’re not doing anything truly important.

When 'time management' becomes a battle

What’s worrying is that not everyone is aware of this downside. According to the survey, more than 60% of respondents said they have felt ‘digital burnout’ from spending too much time on their devices, but still have difficulty breaking away due to ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out).

Experts say that for technology to truly become an effective time management tool, users need to set clear boundaries: turn off unnecessary notifications, use apps to limit social media usage, or even have a 'tech-free day' to rebalance themselves.

Technology is neither all good nor all bad, it’s how we use it that matters. In a world where smartphones are ubiquitous and apps are designed to hold our attention, time management is no longer just a matter of planning, but a test of sanity.

Perhaps what is needed now is not another tool, but learning to set limits so that time truly belongs to you.

The master or the led?

Technology is a double-edged sword that can help us streamline our lives, or drag us into a vicious cycle. The key is: who holds the handle?

TWO MIND

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cong-nghe-tu-giup-quan-ly-den-danh-cap-thoi-gian-nguoi-dung-20250618001721633.htm