10-min delivery: How are we progressing as a society?

In the past decade, technology has significantly reshaped our society, pushing us forward in ways that were once unimaginable. From the rise of smartphones to artificial intelligence, the digital revolution has penetrated almost every aspect of our lives. These innovations have brought numerous societal benefits. Communication is instantaneous, Knowledge is accessible at the tap on a screen, Productivity has boosted, and Convenience has reached unprecedented levels. E-commerce and fintech have made services accessible to people any where any time, transforming the very fabric of human interaction and commerce.

As society embraced technological advancements, the demands of commerce have shifted dramatically. One of the latest trends to emerge is the concept of 10-minute delivery or quick commerce. This phenomenon, driven less by the actual need of it but by a hunger for instant gratification, is quickly becoming normalized. At first glance, it appears to be a breakthrough in convenience—a marvel of logistics, efficiency, and consumer-centric business models. But, as with most advancements, it comes with both its advantages and drawbacks, which bear important social, behavioral, mental, and emotional consequences.

The Positives

On the positive side, the convenience of 10-minute delivery addresses the needs of time-strapped consumers who juggle demanding jobs and personal commitments. In fast-paced urban environments, where long commutes and hectic schedules dominate, this service reduces the time spent on mundane activities such as grocery shopping or errand running. It enables people to focus on what they deem more valuable—work, family time, or personal projects/hobbies. Moreover, it has created jobs and pushed the boundaries of logistics technology, making last-mile deliveries more efficient and eco-friendly in some cases.

The Negatives

However, on the flip side, this same convenience is gradually transforming how we engage with the world around us. One major concern lies in the growing detachment from basic social and life skills. For example, mundane tasks like grocery shopping, which many might consider tedious, have historically played a role in grounding us. These simple chores helped people develop an understanding of everyday essentials - what to take, why to take, how to take, and when to take. Today, fewer people (mostly from urban spaces) know how to distinguish between common herbs like coriander (dhania) and mint (pudina) because their groceries arrive pre-packed without the need for any interaction with the produce itself. The knowledge of "Region and Season"?, Well, who cares!

Proactive vs Reactive

While this service is often seen as a convenience, it inadvertently encourages a reactive rather than proactive approach to managing day-to-day responsibilities, particularly when it comes to running a household. Just a few years back, household management required foresight and organization—grocery lists were made, meals were planned, and essential supplies were stocked in advance. This process fostered a sense of responsibility, discipline, and an ability to anticipate future needs.

With the advent of 10-minute delivery, that discipline has eroded. People now rely on quick fixes, ordering items at the last minute because they know that convenience is just a few taps away. This lack of planning extends beyond household chores; it reflects a mindset that prioritizes short-term ease over long-term preparation.

Over time, this can diminish critical thinking skills, as individuals no longer feel the need to anticipate problems or make thoughtful decisions, inadvertently weakening the development of strategic life management skills, leaving us less capable of managing emergencies, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

The Social Impact

The rise of 10-minute delivery also impacts social behavior in more profound ways. In the past, heading out to run errands or shop for groceries meant interacting with local vendors, meeting neighbors, and sharing a few moments of conversation. These small but meaningful interactions formed the bedrock of community relationships. Now, with a few swipes, everything we need arrives at our doorstep, removing the necessity for face-to-face communication. We no longer need to know our local grocers, nor do we need to step outside and engage with the people who live around us. The result is a gradual erosion of community bonds and a sense of isolation, especially in urban areas where loneliness is already a growing concern.

The Behavioral Impact

Behaviorally, the trend feeds into a culture of instant gratification. While having access to groceries or snacks within minutes may seem harmless, it reflects a deeper shift in our mindset—one that prioritizes immediacy over patience. This can have long-term implications on how we approach other aspects of life. We already have become less willing to wait, less tolerant of delays, and more likely to expect results on demand. The psychological impact of this constant rush to fulfil desires in real-time lead to increased anxiety, stress, and diminished capacity for delayed gratification.

The Mental and Emotional Impact

From a mental and emotional perspective, there is also the issue of dependency. The convenience of 10-minute delivery, while practical, creates an over-reliance on technology to fulfill even our most basic needs. What was once a simple outing to the store is now outsourced to a fleet of delivery workers. This dependency on apps and services reduces our sense of independence and self-sufficiency, potentially making us more vulnerable in situations where these services may be unavailable.

Impact on GenZs or Zoomers

A generation, called GenZ or Zoomer, has grown up in a world where technology mediates nearly every interaction and task, from socializing to fulfilling daily needs. As a result, they often lack essential life skills, such as cooking or recognizing fresh produce, because these tasks are outsourced to apps.

Furthermore, their reliance on screens for communication has made them more comfortable with digital interactions than face-to-face conversations, which lead to social anxiety when they are required to engage in real-world situations. This behavioral shift is creating a generation that is less resilient in handling social pressure, more prone to instant gratification, and increasingly disconnected from the physical world. They may struggle with delayed rewards, making it harder for them to develop patience, perseverance, or adaptability in the long term. These tendencies could not only affect their personal relationships but also their professional abilities, as face-to-face communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving are key to success in many areas of life.

The Ultimate Question

Society as a whole faces an important question—are we trading meaningful social interactions and life skills for convenience? While 10-minute delivery offers relief from some of life’s more mundane tasks, it also deprives us of experiences that build character, patience, and relationships. Going out for groceries was once a shared family activity, a way to teach children about food, choices, and the value of interacting with others. Today, those learning moments are being replaced by the swipe of a finger.

The way forward requires a balanced approach. Technology and convenience are not inherently bad; they have the potential to improve our lives in many ways. However, as a society, we must remain conscious of how we use these innovations. The answer isn’t to shun progress, but to strike a balance between efficiency and human interaction. Perhaps, instead of relying on instant delivery for every need, we can reserve it for moments of urgency. Reclaiming mundane tasks, like going to the store, as opportunities for engagement, learning, and mindfulness could lead to richer lives.

It’s also worth rethinking how we use the time saved by 10-minute deliveries. If we fill it with meaningful activities—spending time with loved ones, engaging with our communities, or simply enjoying the world around us—we can ensure that progress doesn't come at the cost of personal and societal well-being.

We are moving at lightning speed, but we must be cautious not to lose sight of what truly enriches our lives.