How 2020 Changed The Way We Use Technology Forever

Years from now, when we look back on the last year, we’ll all probably say some version of the same thing: 2020 was the year that changed everything. And, though it sounds like a sweeping generalization, it’s true. You can pull data from a range of reports that show, statistically, how much our world changed in a single year. We approach education, work, social life, family life, short-term and long-term goals, shopping, health, (and so on) differently because of changes that happened in the last year.

And of course, it changed how we use technology.

In 2020, we realized that access to technology—and functioning technology, at that—is tied to our basic needs. We used technology to order food for grocery pick up, we searched online for toilet paper when there were shortages, and we used it to stay updated about health practices to keep our families safe during the pandemic.

We were already dependent on technology before the pandemic happened, but 2020 gave rise to a far more complex and essential relationship between how we live our lives and the technology we use.?

I want to examine the key ways 2020 changed how we use technology, and talk about why it’s important to evaluate our digital health and security in response.?

We’re More Dependent On Tech Than Before

In 2020, we used technology to access everything from our groceries to the everyday responsibilities of our jobs. We used technology to access basic necessities, whether it be our need for food or our need for connection with others. Because of this, we’ve become more dependent on technology than ever before.

For example, Statista reported that e-commerce sales across the world grew by 25% in the year of the pandemic. That’s a significant increase in a single year. Many of us attended video-conference happy hours with our companies, or with friends, to make sure that we could keep in touch and feel less isolated. And, because we were living through such a major health crisis, we relied heavily on technology to access information about staying safe, the spread of the virus, and how we should take care of ourselves and our families.

Sure, we depended on technology before the pandemic (How many of us were already glued to our phones back then?) but we rely on it in a new way post-pandemic. We have witnessed the depth and breadth of services that technology can provide, and we have changed our habits accordingly.

It Accelerated Digital Adoption

Digital adoption grew during the pandemic because, quite simply, we had no other option. Here’s what I mean by digital adoption: companies, industries, or even individuals that had long resisted technological tools in their everyday practices were somewhat forced to adopt and implement technology.?

In response to the pandemic, companies needed digital tools that could keep them connected to their employees even if they were working from home. Parents needed digital technology so that their children could access virtual classes and stay on track with their education. Whether we liked it or not, we all had to adopt new digital practices.

Personal and Professional Tech Merged

How many of you worked from home during the pandemic? Did you use your home WiFi server, your home computer, or even your personal cell phone to take work-related calls? While some companies were large enough to provide technological tools for their employees to take home and use during the pandemic, many others did not have the resources.?

As a result, our personal and professional tech tools merged in 2020. The same devices we used to manage personal finances or shop online were used to interact with managers, internal teams, and clients. Whether your company has continued with remote work, or you’re back in the office, we are still living with an increased overlap between our personal and professional lives.

It Showed Us How Tech Keeps Us Connected

For many years, people have bemoaned how technology interrupts our ability to connect with people face-to-face. Perhaps this is true in some ways, but the pandemic showed us how valuable our digital tools are in terms of providing ways to connect with others. We learned that we can do more than simply text or call individuals, we can host birthday parties online, or celebrate major milestones like weddings and graduations. The need for tech in this space gave us the opportunity to innovate how we stay connected with the important people in our lives.?

We no longer just use technology for passive communication on social media, keeping in touch with college friends or old neighbors. We use technology to facilitate relationships we would’ve built in person—like office friendships, casual interactions with clients or customers, and even the educators that teach us or our children.?

A New Frontier for Digital Health and Security

Yes, 2020 significantly changed the way we use technology in our lives. Now, we must respond accordingly. It’s our responsibility to adjust our habits to make sure that we remain healthy and safe online. Digital security is one of my passions (to put it in a nutshell), and I believe the changes in the last year have given consumers an incredible opportunity to re-evaluate how they handle their tech habits. It’s absolutely essential, and it’s the perfect time for a natural shift.

As discussed, we’re more reliant on technology than ever before. People should respond by using this to their advantage, not just employing technological tools that they’re required to use in work or school, but finding tools that can offer solutions to modern problems. Perhaps it’s time to invest in at-home digital security tools that provide an extra layer of protection for your family. You can update your devices or try out new software that makes your life easier. If you manage multiple personal accounts online—like your bank account or investment portfolio—consider investing in a secure password manager that keeps those details protected.

With accelerated digital adoption, tech tools are becoming more common and there may be some upgrades worth investing in. Whether that’s smart home tools like a thermostat, lightbulbs, a security system, or a video-camera doorbell, those investments can bring your home up to date and provide a number of benefits.?

Here’s a really important thing to consider: if you’re still working from home and using both personal and professional tools to manage your workload, you might consider investing in digital security tools for your home. Try a VPN for safer browsing, a password manager (like mentioned above), and even consider separating your personal and professional devices—if your finances allow. Hackers attack individuals, but they go for companies too. If you’re managing both personal and professional accounts from the same computer or with the same set of passwords, you’re making yourself extra vulnerable to attack.?

A quick note here about digital health: don’t forget boundaries with your tech devices. Our world is more integrated with technology than ever before, largely because of the pandemic, and this can take a toll on us. Check-in and assess your mental health regularly, and take breaks from digital tools when you are able to. Set boundaries for working hours and personal hours, or between working and personal devices, so that you are not always logged on.?

Technology has helped us build a better future, and we are reaping the benefits of years of technological advancement. We are able to stay connected with each other no matter the circumstances of the outside world, and this is an incredible discovery we made in 2020. Yes, how we use tech has changed, but it’s changed for the better—as long as you know how to leverage it to your benefit.