It is true that, with the advancement of technology, standard indicators of quality of life, including education and recreation facilities, have improved compared to previous centuries however, some people believe that mental health and the environment have worsened relatively.
The level of education and its accessibility have enhanced recently. Massive open online courses have democratized higher education. High-ranking universities like Harvard and Stanford, have made many of their courses available for free online, which has opened up learning opportunities to people across the globe, regardless of geographical location or financial status. Additionally, the proliferation of smartphones and mobile apps has made education more accessible. Mobile learning apps allow students to access materials, participate in courses, and engage with interactive learning tools anytime and anywhere. Recreational facilities, such as sports complexes and fitness centers have also emerged. With the increasing demand for healthier lifestyles, there has been a surge in participation in activities like running, cycling, swimming, and team sports. Sports complexes provide spaces for these activities, while fitness centers cater to people who want to engage in strength training, cardio, yoga, or other forms of fitness in a structured environment.
The modern work environment, characterized by longer hours, job insecurity, and constant connectivity (especially through email and messaging), has made work-life balance increasingly difficult to achieve. This, in turn, contributes to higher stress levels and burnout. The pressure to succeed professionally and personally is contributing to a decline in mental well-being. Besides, human activity is accelerating species extinction rates at an alarming pace. Habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources have led to the decline of many species. This loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on ecosystems, making it harder for humans to rely on natural systems for food, clean water, and disease regulation.
To conclude, although the stress of a high workload could lead to a decline in mental health, attending a fitness club or watching a favorite soccer team at a stadium could mitigate the effects of a high workload. Participating in online courses and conducting research, can also teach us how to use our natural resources.