Problema 2 · Inglés PAU Canarias Junio (Humanidades) 2026

Technology Regret

Today, more and more people experience what is known as “technology regret”, the disappointment felt

when realising that a new device is unnecessary or unhelpful. A recent survey illustrates this

phenomenon by identifying the most regretted home technology purchases, including smart lighting

systems and video doorbells.

5 The reasons behind this feeling are not surprising. For instance, smart lighting systems, which can be

controlled remotely, were marketed as a solution to the “hard” task of standing up to switch on a light,

but most people never saw this as a real problem. Similarly, video doorbells seemed appealing for their

ability to capture something interesting: a crime, a touching family moment, or a funny incident to share

on social media. However, in everyday life, those events are rare, even though our homes are more

10 connected and monitored than ever. In the end, constant watching rarely reveals anything significant.

Yet, undoubtedly, this dissatisfaction is particularly strong when it comes to wearable devices, especially

smartwatches. A fitness industry expert notes that people seldom replace a smartwatch when it breaks.

“Initially, users may panic; if their steps aren’t counted, did they even happen? How will they assess

their sleep quality, monitor their blood sugar or manage their heart health? Then that anxiety disappears.

15 Many soon realise that their smartwatch was simply annoying them: sometimes offering encouragement

(Well done!), but more often pushing them (Just 375 more calories! It’s almost midnight, but you can

still make it!). Eventually, they feel relieved. If a real person acted this way, we would probably get mad

at them,” the expert explains.

Nevertheless, not all modern technologies receive negative responses. Survey results show that people

20 remain positive about eco-friendly installations such as solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicle

chargers, which benefit both the environment and help reduce our bills. Clearly, not all modern

advancements are harmful or annoying; some are genuinely helpful and do not make buyers regret their

choices.

In conclusion, while new electronic gadgets can be exciting at first, it is easy to end up installing too

25 many unnecessary devices in our homes. The most effective technology is the one you do not even

notice. Therefore, to avoid regret, it is wise to choose technology that genuinely improves your life,

rather than simply following trends.

Adapted from The Guardian, September 2025

2. ANSWER the questions below. COPY no more than 10 words and/or a number from the text to answer each question. (1.5 points)

a)

What resource was used to find out which household electronics buyers regret the most?

b)

What would most of us do if someone spoke to us as smart devices do?

c)

What are some home technologies that people view positively?