Timekeeping and modern attitudes to time: Part 3 questions and answers

I think a major reason is that wristwatches serve as personal accessories rather than just functional gadgets. While a phone can easily cause distractions with notifications and messages, glancing at a watch is discreet and immediate. For instance, in professional meetings, pulling out a phone can seem quite rude, whereas checking a watch remains socially acceptable. That said, younger generations who grew up entirely digital often find dedicated timepieces somewhat redundant.

There is certainly a noticeable divide between cultures that view time linearly versus those with a more relaxed approach. In places like northern Europe or Japan, arriving even two minutes late is often perceived as unprofessional and disrespectful. By contrast, in several Mediterranean or Latin American societies, social gatherings tend to have fluid start times. However, in globalised business environments, strict punctuality is increasingly becoming the universal standard regardless of local custom.

Technology has undoubtedly accelerated our daily routines, creating an expectation of instant results. Because we have rapid communication tools and automated services, people now expect immediate responses to emails and same-day deliveries. For example, remote working platforms allow tasks to be completed at all hours, which significantly blurs the line between work and leisure. Nevertheless, this relentless efficiency can lead to heightened stress levels and chronic burnout across the workforce.

I suspect people will become even more preoccupied with time management because competition and productivity demands continue to rise. As automation handles routine physical labour, human value will likely centre on high-level cognitive output, which requires strict optimisation of our working hours. You can already see people tracking their sleep, workouts, and productivity metrics through wearable devices. Even so, there might eventually be a counter-movement promoting slower, unstructured living.

The most obvious downside is the complete lack of spontaneity, which can stifle creativity and mental flexibility. When every hour is earmarked for a specific task, unexpected opportunities or emergencies can cause severe anxiety and disrupt the entire routine. For instance, artists and researchers frequently need unstructured time to let ideas incubate naturally. Although rigorous scheduling boosts short-term productivity, it often takes a heavy toll on overall well-being and genuine inspiration.