Most Canadians aren’t getting enough exercise, and technology such as online shopping and delivery services are only making us lazier. Many don’t give a second thought about choosing to shop online rather than in a store, but where do we draw the limit? It’s understandable if people decide to order items online because they aren’t in a store, or if the closest store is too far away, but getting out of the house and shopping is good physical activity for those who aren’t into sports and exercise.
Groceries have now become popular delivery items, and with great demand by people, there is a place in the market for them as well. Delivery times depend on the amount you’re willing to pay. Some companies, such as Amazon Fresh, boast delivery times of an hour for $7.99 per delivery and two-hour delivery at no extra charge with a $299/year Prime Fresh membership. For people with disabilities, the elderly or those suffering from agoraphobia, online grocery shopping would be beneficial, as well as for people with no time to spare on shopping. However, if there are no physical, mental or time limits stopping someone from going to the grocery store, why have them shipped for extra charges? It’s because we are becoming lazy.
Each day we pay extra for convenience, a short drive instead of walking or biking, or a new computer because the last one was too slow. Convenience means anything that saves or simplifies work or adds to one’s ease or comfort, but sometimes people place too much value on convenience to realize the disadvantages lying beneath the surface. Modern society is promoting a sedentary lifestyle, and there’s a fine line between convenience and laziness. This might not always be our fault when there are factors such as time and disability, but people should know that laziness leaves someone vulnerable to health complications.
The simple act of moving helps us greatly by encouraging better circulation, but technology has greatly changed everything. Technology has enabled new levels of convenience everywhere, but how far do we go to pay that price? The internet and all the technology that surrounds us has made life so convenient that everyday tasks and errands can now be completed virtually, for better or worse. Running errands used to take up an entire day. Nowadays, with online shopping and services like TaskRabbit, you can find people that will do any type of errand you need.
Essentially, the cost of convenience is our health and our environment. Looking at the whole picture, it really is a high cost. It seems as though with every new piece of technology that gets released, we get lazier because life got easier. Life is supposed to be a challenge, but it’s a rewarding one.
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