For years there has been a debate about when technology will finally take over lives. With the rise of artificial intelligence, it is only a matter of time before people’s worlds become consumed by technological advancements.

From driving to shopping, technology is everywhere and greatly impacts our everyday lives. Think of this, would you be able to function in today’s society without any use of technology? The answer is most likely no, as in order to live in today’s world, people rely on technology and its advancements.  

Online shopping is one of the most popular, and convenient ways of purchasing items. The ability to easily search for anything, anytime, and anywhere makes any form of digital shopping ideal. But there are also negative aspects to this practicality. 

Technological advancements have made everyone’s daily lives substantially more manageable. Allowing for not only a quick and accessible way to find products but also a contactless way of purchase, boosting both consumer spending and business profits. 

Obviously, there is an abundance of issues when it comes to relying solely on online purchasing: shipping costs and the uncertainty of what a consumer may actually be receiving. The lack of human interaction between consumers and sellers may result in a sense of distrust between the two.

Shipping also creates a colossal amount of waste in the environment. Companies often choose to use plastic as a way to package their products for shipping, but people tend not to dispose of the material correctly, which harms both wildlife and the earth. 

Technology is one of humanity’s worst enemies, and although such advancements make everyday lives more practical, the rise of technology has both limited jobs. Compromising the already heavily faulty job market, as well as eliminating the physical and emotional aspects of shopping. 

Humans require an interactive relationship with one another in order to learn and grow. Online shopping, and the rise of all kinds of online services such as virtual doctors, lawyers, and even therapists, have greatly impacted this simple human necessity. 

The lack of conversation and basic social interaction makes it difficult for a consumer to feel important when buying a product. When a person goes into a store they want to feel like someone cares about them and their needs. With online shopping, there is no one asking what you are looking for, and it is highly probable that the seller is some form of artificial intelligence. 

When people are face-to-face with each other, it is easier for them to have more productive and clear conversations. Online shopping and AI (artificial intelligence) take away the sense of a personal conversation, making the consumer feel less important, and making them less likely to have a personal relationship or attachment to the item they are purchasing. 

The concept of virtual shopping, although a convenient one, is also a very detrimental one and may result in the fall of society. Relying too much on the internet and other forms of technology may cause people to become co-dependent, limiting their ability to even think for themselves. 

 Technology consumes humans and when faced with the necessity of the internet, such as relying on online stores to purchase food, clothes, and other products and services, people are almost forced to participate in virtual purchasing and selling. 

Although there are many negative aspects of relying too much on technology, some positive outcomes have come from the rise of the internet. Small and/or local business owners are more likely to attract a larger audience if they offer online services. The ability to advertise online allows people from anywhere to connect and view products that they may not have before. 

Even though the internet can increase advertising, it can also decrease the whole point of some brands, especially small and/or locally owned businesses whose goal is to have a personal connection with their customers.