Over half of Brits believe that technology can create a kinder society, according to new research from Lenovo.
Kindness Gap
New research from Lenovo reveals a 鈥榢indness gap鈥� embedded within UK society. More than four fifths (82%) of UK citizens place value in living in a 鈥榢ind鈥� and 鈥榚mpathetic鈥� society, whilst only a third (37%) currently believe they live in a city which is 鈥榢ind鈥� or 鈥榚mpathic鈥�.
Despite this imbalance, a majority of UK citizens (52%) recognise the emerging power that technology has to provide a solution to a lack of kindness in cities. This presents an opportunity for both companies and institutions to utilise the power of technology to bring about a more equitable future for all citizens.
Lenovo commissioned a study by surveying more than 5,000聽city dwellers聽across five聽countries聽(United聽Kingdom,聽Brazil, Germany, Japan and United States), including 1060 Brits, to understand public perception of how city centres should operate post-pandemic.聽The findings reveal how traditional institutions, such as Government and policymakers, fall short of prioritising kindness, which leaves local neighbourhoods and communities to shoulder more responsibility to instil kindness and empathy.
Tech Already Working Its Magic
It may be that technology is already helping the world be a kinder place. In fact, 37% of UK residents believe that technology has already made people in their city kinder and more empathic, with this number rising to 42% and 48% amongst Gen Z and millennial respondents respectively.
That being said, it seems there is still a long way to go.聽Most respondents (56%) believe quality of life in their city is either getting worse or staying the same, with many acknowledging room for improvement in their general living standards and working conditions.
Additionally, city residents have reservations about how much the officials that represent them consider kindness when making decisions for the city. Less than one in five (17%) believe their policymakers strongly consider kindness and empathy.
鈥淲e believe the Kind City project will be the blueprint for mapping a kinder and better future,鈥� said聽John Gordon, President of Industry Solutions at Lenovo. 鈥淭echnology can and will make the future kinder, more inclusive, and more equitable. In cities, this means providing smarter technology for all鈥攁cross socio-economic or cultural backgrounds鈥攊ncluding both devices and solutions. The findings also demonstrate a real opening for the private sector to enable and empower citizens in a post-pandemic world. We will continue to ensure that Lenovo鈥檚 technology remains a catalyst for positive change鈥�.
