DOES TECHNOLOGY MAKE LIFE MORE EXCITING?

Today we have a veritable treasure trove of high-tech toys that you could have barely imagined a decade or two ago. We have IPods, HDTV, Tivo, texting, DVDs, YouTube and even more ways to keep ourselves entertained and excited about life. In 1985, the average home received only 19 television channels. Today most homes get over 100 television channels. You would think all of this seemingly limitless choice would have us all jumping for joy but apparently some of us are no more excited about life than we were 30 years ago.

Despite all the marvels at our fingertips, the percentage of Americans that say life is exciting has barely increased over the past three decades. In 1973 – before an apple was an Apple – just 46% of Americans said life was exciting, according to the General Social Survey. 30 years later, the proportion is 50%, a bit higher than it once was but not as high as you’d think considering the revolution in technology.

Even more curious is this: young adults are no more likely to find life exciting than their counterparts 30 years ago. Among 18-29 year olds, the same 52% think life is exciting. In contrast, the middle-aged are on fire. The percentage of 50 to 64-year-olds who find life exciting has surged, rising from just 40% in the early 1970′s to 52% today. Maybe that’s because the middle-aged are uniquely positioned to appreciate the miracle of technology. They are young enough to enjoy the high-tech toys but old enough to remember the interminable wait for Saturday morning cartoons.