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Logitech Study Finds a Sense of Control Over Technology Can Boost Wellbeing, Productivity, and Confidence

TECHNOLOGY

10/7/20262 min read

New Logitech research reveals a growing divide between people who feel in control of their technology and those who don’t, with potential impacts on mood, performance, and quality of life.

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday life, Logitech set out to examine an often-overlooked question: how does a person's sense of control over technology influence their wellbeing and success? The company's inaugural Ctrl Tomorrow Study found that feeling in control of technology is closely linked to positive outcomes across multiple areas of life.

According to the research, 77% of respondents believe people who feel more in control of their technology get more out of life. The study describes this advantage as a "control dividend," where confidence and mastery over digital tools contribute to stronger productivity, creativity, focus, calmness, and physical wellbeing.

Conversely, a lack of control can create what the study refers to as a "control tax," leading to frustration, stress, and reduced confidence.

Technology Frustration Extends Beyond the Workplace

One of the study's most notable findings is that technology problems do not remain confined to work-related tasks. The research found that approximately three in five people say technology friction affects their mood after work and influences their sense of control in their personal lives.

Participants reported a range of emotional effects when technology fails:

64% experienced feelings of frustration, anxiety, or anger.
46% reported feeling helpless, embarrassed, exhausted, or as though they were falling behind.
52% said having greater control over technology helped them accomplish something they previously thought was impossible.

These findings suggest that technology experiences can significantly influence both personal and professional wellbeing.

Why Physical Devices Still Matter

Despite rapid advances in software and AI, the research indicates that physical hardware remains an important source of confidence and control. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they feel most in control when interacting with physical devices, and 42% reported relying on hardware more today than they did five years ago.

The study argues that physical tools such as keyboards, mice, webcams, and other devices can provide a tangible sense of agency that complements increasingly intelligent software systems.

Introducing the Ctrl Score

To better measure this relationship, Logitech developed a new framework called the Ctrl Score, which evaluates how much control people feel they have over technology. The score assesses factors including:

How intentionally individuals build their technology setup
Their confidence and openness toward new technology
Whether they view technology as enabling or limiting their potential

The goal is to provide organizations and individuals with a way to measure and improve their sense of technological control over time.

Implications for the AI Era

The research arrives at a time when AI adoption is accelerating across industries. Hanneke Faber, CEO of Logitech, noted that many people feel technology is happening to them rather than with them. The study suggests that helping users feel more confident and capable with their tools may be critical to unlocking the benefits of emerging technologies.

Ultimately, the findings suggest that technology's impact is not determined solely by its capabilities but also by how much control users feel they have over it. As AI becomes more prevalent, fostering that sense of control could play an important role in improving wellbeing, productivity, and human potential.

Read the complete study here.

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