Brits are worn out by technology, with more adults now feeling overwhelmed than excited by the pace of digital change - and only 1 in 5 with medical needs using health apps
Four in 10 people admit they feel exhausted by technology and are hesitant to embrace anything new. Research has shown that 37% believe technology — whether apps, gadgets or other services — is progressing faster than they can manage.
Consequently, adults are now more inclined to feel overwhelmed rather than enthusiastic about the speed of change. In a poll of 2,000 adults, 35% admitted they sometimes feel so disconnected from the digital world that they steer clear of it entirely.
However, on occasion this has caused issues. That reluctance can have very real consequences. Some 12% said they have struggled to contact their GP because the process is carried out online, while 6% reported losing access to their bank account at a critical moment. A further 5% said they have faced a penalty after missing a deadline for completing something online.
The research, commissioned by healthcare company Abbott, discovered that when using a new app, gadget, or piece of technology for the first time, 41% are prone to feeling confused or anxious about making an error. How do you stack up when it comes to adopting technology?
Find out with this quiz Out of the 43% of the population who have some form of medical or wellbeing need that could be managed by apps or devices, such as diabetes or asthma, only 19% are currently using them. A quarter of those who aren't said it is because they don't believe it will make a difference.
Meanwhile, 13% confess they lack the confidence to start using apps or devices that might help them manage their conditions. Abbott has joined forces with Strictly favourite Shirley Ballas and her mum Audrey Rich in this video, encouraging Britons to embrace technology designed to help us lead healthier lives. Shirley Ballas said: "In dance, you're always learning new steps, and it can feel overwhelming at times. But you don't stop, you keep going.
It's the same with technology.
"I've spent my whole career telling people not to be afraid of learning something new. It turns out that applies just as much to technology as it does to the dancefloor.
"Staying open and taking small steps can make all the difference, especially when it comes to your health. " Those who currently use apps to assist with managing health needs described a variety of benefits from doing so, including feeling more in control of their condition, finding it simpler to track symptoms, medication or appointments, and enhanced confidence in managing their condition. One in five regret not embracing the technology sooner.
Jenny Boulton, who lives with Type 2 diabetes, said: "When I first considered using a device to track my glucose levels, I was worried I wouldn't understand the technology.
"But I was surprised by how easy it was to use and how quickly it helped me see how food and daily routines affect my glucose levels. "Having that real-time insight has given me much more confidence and control.
" Suki Bangar, diabetes specialist nurse and medical educator from Abbott, which manufactures Libre CGM systems that help people living with diabetes monitor their glucose levels, said: "The technology available to support the four million people living with Type 2 diabetes in the UK has advanced significantly, particularly with tools like continuous glucose monitors. "When people are empowered to use them, it can help them better understand how their bodies respond to things that affect glucose levels in real time.
"I've seen firsthand how impactful that knowledge can be in supporting more informed decisions and helping people feel more in control of their condition. "
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