Whether humans are getting lazier is complex; some argue modern convenience and technology reduce effort, leading to perceived laziness, while others say "laziness" is often exhaustion, burnout, or a lack of motivation, and people remain productive but shift effort, with data showing rising productivity despite complaints about idleness. Evolution favors conserving energy, but modern life offers more options to do so, confusing natural efficiency with laziness, and psychological factors like burnout or low dopamine can mimic it.
According to Pew Research Center survey data, about half of Americans in 2015 — and 63 percent of Millennials — believe that the typical U.S. citizen is lazy. Another 2019 Pew survey found that a majority of Americans think people are lazier now than they used to be.
For the vast majority of our history, we had limited access to energy, so laziness was selected for. Now, that doesn't mean that everybody is completely lazy - we still did have to work hard in order to farm, hunt, find mates, etc. so being hard-working when necessary was a benefit.
Aside from affecting our physical body and lifestyle, technology has its psychological effects as well. As we rely more on technology to perform tasks, we might end up underusing our brains. While these tools allow us to be more productive, they reduce our need to sharpen our memories or develop personal strategies.
The Top 5 Motivational Killers
Laziness may reflect a lack of self-esteem, a lack of positive recognition by others, a lack of discipline stemming from low self-confidence, or a lack of interest in the activity or belief in its efficacy. Laziness may manifest as procrastination or vacillation.
Humans Could Be Prone To Laziness. According to Michael Inzlicht, a social psychologist and neuroscientist at the University of Toronto, we're lazy and also, we're not. Yes, all humans, and in fact, all animals ever measured given equal options, will take the easy way out.
“The data reveal a disturbing trend: People have been growing increasingly worn out by their use of digital technologies at work and at home,” the professor of technology management at University of California, Santa Barbara writes in his book, Digital Exhaustion.
It's about how we use them. Our phones can make us smarter when we use them to learn, create, and connect — but lazier when we use them to escape.
He loves the person, but He strongly dislikes the lazy attitudes that keep them from reaching their maximum potential. In Matthew 25:30, Jesus continues by calling this non-productive servant “the unprofitable servant.” The word “unprofitable” is from the Greek word achreios, which literally means useless.
The 3-Second Rule is pretty straightforward: when you think of something you need to do, you've got three seconds to start doing it. Three, two, one and then take immediate action. No dilly-dallying, no second-guessing, just get on with it. It's all about creating a sense of urgency to kickstart your motivation.
In contrast, hatred evolved to neutralize the net costs imposed by individuals whose very existence and well-being diminishes one's fitness.
Science supports laziness
On average, people who are less physically active tend to be brainier than physically active people, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology.
The survival instinct is foundational to many behavioral traits observed across species, including humans, where it historically influenced responses to hazards through mechanisms like the fight-or-flight reaction.
Understanding the Type B personality might be difficult for those who don't identify with it. If you're a type A personality, you could view a Type B person as lazy or lacking motiviation. Here are a few areas where Type Bs might be thriving, even if you haven't noticed.
Hit and declining occupations
Did you know the average person checks their phone 144 times a day?* That's a lot of distractions. Turning on features like “do not disturb” can help you stay focused,silence distraction and spend less time scrolling.
In the survey of 2,000 Americans, 50% said they've made a point to disconnect digitally and spend less time on screens for their well-being. And young Americans are trailblazing this trend, with more Gen Z (63%) and millennials (57%) getting offline than Gen X (42%) and baby boomers (29%).
“Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.”
“I will always choose a lazy person to do a difficult job because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” I love that quote! It's often attributed to Bill Gates, but it originated with Frank B. Gilbreath Sr, a time and efficiency expert.
Research has shown that across a wide array of psychological events, people tend to focus more on the negative as they try to make sense of the world. Pay more attention to negative events than positive ones.
If you suspect that your lack of motivation or low mood may be more than just laziness, it's essential to seek professional help. Warning signs include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Energy Conservation: A Survival Tactic
This evolutionary legacy means our brains are still wired to avoid unnecessary exertion. In a modern context, this can translate to laziness or a reluctance to engage in physically or mentally demanding tasks.
The Mahayana tradition identifies three types of laziness: not wanting to do anything; discouragement; and busyness. We'd rather stay in bed half an hour later than get up and meditate.