I think that technology - computers and smart phones and 24-hour availability - often leaves me, and others I know, feeling blank and depressed at the end of a day. I also believe that hyped expectations for raising children leaves many women and men feeling as if their days are a blur of carpools and play-groups and tutors.

In this quote, Rebecca Traister explores the negative impact of modern technology, particularly computers and smartphones, on mental well-being. She explains how the constant 24-hour availability facilitated by these devices can leave people feeling emotionally drained and depressed at the end of the day. Traister suggests that the overuse of technology, without sufficient boundaries, contributes to feelings of emptiness and mental fatigue, as it overwhelms users with constant stimuli and demands.

Traister also touches on the high expectations placed on parents, particularly mothers and fathers, to provide the best possible upbringing for their children. She critiques the societal pressure that often leads to busy days filled with carpools, playgroups, and tutors, leaving little time for personal reflection or relaxation. This can result in a sense of blurred priorities, where parents feel consumed by the demands of raising children and unable to enjoy the moment or prioritize their own needs.

The origin of this quote lies in Traister’s work as a journalist and author, particularly in her exploration of the challenges women face in balancing career and family life. She has written extensively about the emotional and societal pressures on modern women, and her perspective here critiques how societal expectations and the rise of technology create an overwhelming and unsustainable pace of life. Her words reflect a broader concern about the toll that these pressures take on individuals' mental health.

Traister’s insight resonates with ongoing discussions about the balance between technology, parenting, and personal well-being. Her quote serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and re-evaluating expectations—whether in terms of family life or our relationship with digital devices—to ensure that we don’t lose sight of what matters most: emotional fulfillment and personal peace.