Have you ever had an experience in which technology was the hero, the factor that literally saved the day and prevented catastrophe? It’s sort of ironic how so many people have a love-hate relationship with modern gadgetry, computers, devices, and other high-tech products. We routinely curse our phones for malfunctioning, yell at laptops when they crash, and aim curses at smart-driving apps when they don’t work as they should. But, there’s a brighter side. That’s because most of us can name several times when an app, a computer, a phone, or a smart device of some kind saved us from a very bad outcome. So, leaving the negatives out of the discussion, here are some of the most common ways that computers, apps, smart-phones, tablets, laptops, or other tech devices can help us get through tough spots in our lives.
Safety First
Being stranded on a remote highway used to be a harrowing experience. It’s still no fun, but anyone armed with a smartphone can simply call police, friends, or family and wait for help to arrive. A generation ago, stuck motorists had to abandon their cars and go off on foot in search of a payphone or gas station. That was often a risky endeavor at best. Thanks to modern phones, being stranded isn’t what it used to be. And that’s a very good thing.
Money in a Pinch
At one time or another, everyone has faced a financial emergency. In the pre-computer era, even a temporary cash shortfall could mean hours or days of searching for a lender who might bridge the gap. In the meantime, money was non-existent. Now, anyone with online access can find the best lenders to apply for a payday loan in a matter of minutes, get instant approval, and receive funds quickly. The wonders of technology never cease, and the modern payday loan is a hassle-free, lightning-fast way to get through a rough spot like a champ.
Finding the Perfect Home
Less than a couple decades ago, house hunting meant driving around for hours, sometimes with a realtor, and viewing maybe a half-dozen or so homes on a long weekend day. If you were diligent about it, you could look at perhaps 50 homes, in person, before deciding which one to purchase. Today, logon to any of the major real estate sites and view hundreds of homes in a couple hours, come up with a short list, and make final decision the same day.
Shopping
Perhaps the biggest economic shift in the past decade has been the growth of online shopping. Whatever you can buy in person, you can purchase via someone’s website. Cars, karate lessons, gourmet coffee beans, books, medical supplies, clothes, jewelry, and hundreds of other goods and services are up for grabs 24/7 via your phone or computer. Even groceries and fresh produce can be ordered through store websites. Consumers even have the choice between delivery and pickup. Don’t like waiting in line, dealing with conveyor belts, hunting around for your favorite brands, and wasting gasoline? Save yourself the headaches and expenses that usually accompany grocery shopping by doing it all from the comfort of your connected device.