Daylight Saving Time ends in just a few days with many knowing all too well the task of having to run around the house and change clocks.
The need to do this, however, is slowly disappearing, with technology taking DST into consideration on their clocks as smartphones, tablets, computers and digital devices automatically go back or forward as the season indicates. But most standard clocks and older alarm clocks still require the user to manually turn the time back or forward to line up with the other clocks.
For those who don't have normal clocks at home and simply tell the time using their phone or computer, Daylight Saving Time is just an opportunity to have an extra hour of sleep.
There has been an argument in recent times suggesting Daylight Saving Time is no longer necessary, with technology being at the center of this argument.
On one side, many suggest that the advent of newer technology voids the argument that DST saves energy. While some energy might be saved because we aren't using lights as much, that energy is lost in other ways such as the fact that many people have to use air conditioning more in summer evenings. Not only that, but because of the fact that the U.S. and Europe aren't exactly lined up when it comes to DST, airlines spend around $147 million per year in travel disruptions. Essentially, even if there is a little money to be saved through DST, it's really not enough to make the system worth the effort.
Some scientists argue that with the increasing production of electricity and new technology that can create the intensity of daylight, the purpose of Daylight Saving Time is eliminated.
This doesn't mean there are no arguments for keeping DST. While Russia abolished Daylight Saving Time in 2011, many Russian citizens were unhappy with the dark mornings. In fact, there is even a movement to re-establish the practice by the end of the year.
Some industries also prefer keeping the seasonal adjustment. The retail industry likes the practice because when it's light out longer, people are more willing to go shopping early in the evening.
Daylight Saving Time is a hotly debated topic and is likely to remain that way for a while. Some countries abolished the practice decades ago and some politicians have lobbied to reinstate it.
With newer technology, the original reasons for DST are becoming less and less important.
