As someone who has spent a lot of time reflecting on household chores and technology, I found Cowan’s book profoundly eye-opening. Many people assume that modern appliances simplify life and reduce workload, but this perspective overlooks social expectations and how they evolve alongside inventions. For example, the washing machine, often praised for saving time, paradoxically led to higher laundry standards and more frequent washing cycles. I personally noticed this growing pressure to constantly refresh wardrobes, partly due to the rise of fast fashion and also the shift in clothing design discussed in the book—like reattached collars that are harder to clean separately. Similarly, the refrigerator changed our food habits drastically. It gave families access to fresh produce and a wider variety of foods, but it also meant more frequent shopping trips and more meticulous meal planning. From my experience, this pushed the responsibility of grocery shopping and meal preparation more heavily onto women, shaping how domestic labor is divided. The car’s impact was also profound. While it increased mobility, it simultaneously dismantled community structures such as local markets and doorstep deliveries, which historically eased daily burdens. Mothers, including myself, might drive children to various activities but end up juggling more errands and expectations as a result. Lastly, the gas stove replaced the hearth’s slow cooking with quicker meals, but this did not reduce time spent cooking overall. More meals per day became the norm, adding to daily demands. These insights remind me how technology doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It transforms social norms and expectations, often unintentionally increasing workload for certain groups. For women, especially mothers, the inventions meant not less but differently intensified labor. Reflecting on this makes me more conscious of the conveniences I rely on daily and the hidden costs they carry, especially on women’s time and energy. It also encourages me to challenge norms around domestic labor and find ways to share responsibilities more equitably in my own home.