Is life more stressful now than in the past due to expectations?

Question

With the advent of modern technology, have we created much more stress on humans since more is expected from us at a much faster pace?

Mediahon: my sentiments exactly. In the workplace the stress and expectations put on everyone is almost inhuman.

Answer 1

In the 1950's it was theorized that in the 21st century people would have more free time because technology would make life easier.

WRONG!

Today we are expected to do more, faster, and with fewer people. Consequently we are working 50 to 60 hour work weeks, spending an hour a day commuting to and from work, and seeing our families less. And they call it progress.

Answer 2

Technology and society have actually reduced stress for the younger generation. For one thing, they don't have to worry as much about being beaten by their parents. If they don't work, the government takes care of them. There seems to be a trend of not taking responsibility for ones own actions. There is always some new disease that is to blame for bad behavior. I have stress when I see someone who has not been properly instructed how to wear a baseball cap or pants. I'm thinking that this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as conspicuous lack of education in a society where education if free. I, for one, do not have any expectations that the younger generation will do anything at all. They seem to have everything they need without doing a thing.

Answer 3

In the past stress could have come from the fact that food had to be grown or hunted by a family in order for that family to eat. Stress could have come from the fact that families did not sit back and wait for the government to provide their needs but did what was necessary to meet the needs of their family.

One big difference is that families were more likely to put their faith in the God Who would sustain and lead them through any trial they would face. They were willing to put shoe leather to that faith and work it out.

My parents were depression-era children and worked hard so that their children would never experience that kind of want. My dad worked hard to provide for us but it didn't follow him home by way of a computer, cell phone, pager or any such device. Though we weren't rich by any stretch of the imagination we knew what it was to have leisure time as a family. They didn't have us signed up for every sports team or dance or music lesson that came around. We played outside after dinner within the sound of our parent's voices.

Though times are different now, we have tried to provide a similar atmosphere for our kids. It's difficult because my husband is expected to be reachable for any problem that may come up at work.

It takes more of an effort to keep a slower pace these days but I think it is worth the effort.

Answer 4

Yep!

Although I'm only 16. Even so it makes sense, without TV, PCs + Mobiles, that would take a lot of hours out of my week! Probably about (max) 30 hrs!

Although you might save some time by using transport instead of walking, but I this also adds to stress as the public transport is very unreliable!!!

Answer 5

I don't think so. Having worked during the day when everything was carboned, handwritten and re-written, my job seems so much easier today.

In fact, it can get down right boring and it is easy to see why employers need fewer staff to accomplish the same goals.

However, I guess one could say those we meet on Y/A are technological friends and when I see them being suspended left and right, it is like they've gone to their graves. That is stressful. lol

Answer 6

So, you are speaking of society expectations? You can control that by caring about your own expectations, and not worrying about what society has decided that we all need to do.

You are right, with technological advances, talking cars, iPod, Wii, flat panel televisions, even fashion, there is a huge compulsion to keep up, to persevere... It's so bad.

Stress can take ahold of us and keep us hostage. Get a handle on what you want, and it will help you keep centered.

Answer 7

I don't know about expectations, but the ability to be in contact all the time via phone, blackberry, e-mail etc, has created a completely new set of stressors that no other era has ever dealt with. It has gotten to the point where I wonder if my cell phone is beneficial, or detrimental.

Answer 8

stress is caused by desire. get rid of desire and you will not stress. in other words just don't give a hoot, because in the long run the situation at hand. does not really matter.
for example stressing over whether you will have enough money to retire on. you might die next month so you wont need money for a retirement that will never happen
so don't stress, just be happy.

Answer 9

I believe it's more expectations placed on us than what we place on ourselves in alot of instances. It's getting harder and harder to distinguish needs vs wants. I never wanted a cell phone....till a job required it....on my dime of course. I didn't really care about a computer either till it was required for my kids. I tried the library route etc.....just wasn't enough to go around. I have to have car insurance and they keep raising the rates knowing I'll have to pay it if I want to drive. They set the standards and we continue to struggle to achieve it. One mistake and you loose it all. You are expected to be "on" 24/7.......if not....then something is "wrong" with you.

Answer 10

I believe so. It has become so bad that employers put such impossible expectations on their employees now, as if they are robots, that don't need food, water, or bathroom breaks. Just keep up! Or we'll fire ya!