Tap Tap

“AZ12,” I said into the intercom.

“Perfect, drive through to the next window, thanks!” a girl replied.

I received a wave at the first window along with a friendly, “You’re all good; just head to the next window.”

“Just a large cheeseburger meal and a large Coke Zero?” the girl at the second window asked.

“Yeah, that’s me,” I responded with a hint of excitement.

I took my meal and drove home. It was that easy.

For a tired, hungry girl like me after work, it was almost too convenient. How many other things in life have become this effortless? It’s great, right? Yet, it’s the option I often default to. The quicker and easier I can make my life, the better it seems.

I ordered McDonald’s using a code I had paid for through the app, with a card stored on my phone. I didn’t even think about it. It’s all about convenience and, even more, profits. And profits are a whole other topic.

Everything from storing cards on my phone to ordering meals with just a code at drive-throughs has become second nature. The goal was always to save time, not to consider my health or, who knows, my privacy.

The funny thing is, it feels like I have always had access to this technology. I can’t even remember how long I’ve been using it. Maybe it started sometime after COVID; it all feels like a blur, but it’s become so embedded in my life now.

I have an unsettling awareness within me, an instinct that screams at me what my body truly craves. It's clear to me that greasy burgers and salty fries from McDonald's aren't what I need to nourish myself the way I deserve. However, I find myself falling into the trap of choosing convenience time and time again.

I suppose that eventually, as my waistline expands, my belief that those conveniences will turn into inconveniences will also grow.

If I didn't have those conveniences, I would be forced to get dinner from a supermarket, and it would probably be more nutritious than what I get from fast food. I still have the option of making those nutritious foods, but do I want to when I'm tired?

The changes in my life have been so subtle that I often fail to recognise them, much like the convenience of having my wallet integrated into my phone. It securely holds my ID, debit card, and credit cards, transforming my shopping experience into a seamless process. Whenever I step into a store, instead of fumbling for cash or cards, I tap my phone to complete the transaction. It's astounding to think how far technology has come—who could have envisioned this a mere few years ago? And yet, here we are, fully immersed in this digital era.

Navigating to the train station in Australia feels entirely different now, too. If I forget my train ticket or a go card, there's no cause for concern. I can easily access my cards on my phone, making travel a breeze. The overall shopping experience has evolved dramatically in recent years. We’ve transitioned to a more cashless society, which makes the checkout process fluid and efficient. While cash can be dirty and cumbersome to handle, it does offer a sense of anonymity and privacy when making purchases. Each transaction I make is meticulously recorded in my account, leaving a digital footprint that is both convenient and, at times, intrusive.

Overall, new technology has its advantages and disadvantages. We have the ability to choose how we use it and can take measures to ensure it doesn't negatively affect us. Technology can also be beneficial; there's an app for just about everything now. Many tools are available to help you improve your savings and manage your eating habits. So, I suppose it often comes down to pure laziness.