The Tech We Love, Leave Behind, and Secretly Loathe

Last month, we asked members of the Betabound community to reflect on their everyday tech habits and tell us what technology they could never part with. The answers revealed a thoughtful and often conflicted relationship with the tools we use daily. Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from the survey:
Streaming Devices are The First to Go (46% of respondents)
“I would give up my streaming devices. I use them to watch shows with my kids, but I could find something else for us to do.” – Adonis S.
A significant amount of Betabounders said that if they had to drop one piece of technology, it would be their dedicated streaming devices.
Many testers don’t see these devices as essential or view them to be productivity killers.
Nostalgia and Privacy Concerns About Modern Tech (28% of respondents)
“I’d miss the days where cell phones were just phones.” — Aja H.
One of the most resonant and emotionally charged themes in this month’s responses was a conflicted relationship with the technology we feel tethered to, especially smartphones and social media. While these tools are part of daily life, some testers expressed a desire for the simplicity and boundaries of an earlier era.
Habitual Tech Use Without Value (33% of respondents)
An introspective discovery from this month’s responses was a theme of tech used out of habit that does not have a clear value. Several testers admitted to turning to devices not for need or enjoyment, but simply because they were there.
In particular, smartphones were the most likely to become a habit more than a tool. Phones, while essential, often evolve into crutches. They’re the go-to in idle moments such as waiting in line, during TV commercials, or even while another device is loading. This usage is often unconscious, creating a loop where interaction replaces intention.
What Testers Won’t Leave Home Without
When asked what one piece of technology they’d bring on a month-long trip (besides their phone), testers offered a mix of practical and personal choices. The top three include:
- Laptops (37%)
The laptop is a critical travel companion. Whether it’s for work, journaling, or accessing full websites, a physical keyboard and larger screen trump portability. - Tablets (13%)
Tablets like the iPad emerged as a top pick for lightweight versatility. These devices are perfect for reading, streaming, and light work without the bulk of a laptop. - Smartwatches (7%)
Some Betabounders prioritize their health and routine while traveling, making their smartwatch a practical choice.
Rethinking Our Relationship with Everyday Tech
What this month’s survey reveals is a collective moment of reflection. Whether it’s choosing to ditch streaming devices for more meaningful time, wishing smartphones were simpler, or recognizing how often we reach for tech out of habit, Betabound testers do think about the role technology plays in their lives. Even when traveling, the tech they choose to bring tells us their unique preferences for functionality, entertainment, or mindfulness.
As beta testers, your unique perspectives are a reminder that thoughtful usage matters just as much as innovative features. By questioning not just how we use technology, but why, you’re shaping a future where products serve us and not the other way around.
If you’d like to participate in our monthly surveys, we send out a link when they go live on the Beta Blast newsletter, which you are automatically subscribed to as a Betabound member. The survey is also visible on the Betabound homepage for the majority of the month it was published. If you aren’t yet a member of Betabound, click the button below!