New research from Samsung Canada reveals a growing productivity paradox, with technology amplifying both capability and complexity in everyday life.

Three-quarters (75%) of Canadians say technology helps them get things done faster, yet 68% say it also gives them more to manage, according to a new survey of 1,547 adults. The tension even extends to Gen Z, as more than half say manual steps and app switching stand in the way of getting things done.

The data points to a clear expectation from Canadians: Technology should not only help them accomplish their goals, but also simplify the steps along the way. More than half (57%) agree that the more digital tools they use, the more they have to manage.

“Technology has delivered enormous gains in what people can accomplish, but these findings show that more capability doesn’t automatically mean less effort,” said Tarik Akad, Vice President of the Mobile Experience Division, Samsung Canada. “The industry’s challenge now is not simply adding more intelligent features. It is making that intelligence almost invisible, working in the background to surface what matters, remove unnecessary steps and make everything else feel simpler.”

Digital Friction Creates Extra Work

For many Canadians, extra work shows up in routine digital tasks at least a few times a week:

• Messages and notifications: 77% say managing messages and notifications creates unnecessary effort or slows them down
• Searching for information: 70% say searching for information they know they’ve already received or seen creates unnecessary effort or slows them down
• Competing demands: 66% say keeping track of multiple tasks or conversations at once creates unnecessary effort or slows them down.
• Switching between apps: 62% say moving between apps or digital services creates unnecessary effort or slows them down

The effects extend beyond time lost. At least a few times per week, 59% of Canadians say they feel mentally drained or overwhelmed when technology, information or competing priorities make it harder to get things done, while 57% spend more time deciding what to do next than actually doing it. And nearly half (46%) agree they often end the day feeling busy without feeling as productive as expected.

The findings reveal an opportunity for mobile experiences to reduce some of those everyday challenges. Samsung Galaxy devices bring AI-powered features into the moments people need them, with tools like Now Brief[1] and Now Nudge[2] helping users stay on top of relevant information and trim their to-do lists in fewer steps.

Gen Z Is Ready For AI To Do More

Even for Gen Z, growing up with technology hasn’t eliminated digital friction. More than half of Gen Z (58%) agree to spending too much time on manual steps just to make technology work, while 51% say switching between apps or digital services creates unnecessary effort or slows them down at least daily. More than half (53%) feel mentally drained or overwhelmed at least daily when technology, information or competing priorities get in the way.

At the same time, Gen Z is highly receptive to AI that works harder for them: 83% selected at least one AI feature as potentially valuable for helping them get things done with less effort.

Canadians Want AI To Tackle Busywork

Two-thirds of Canadians (66%) selected at least one AI feature as being potentially valuable for helping them get things done with less effort. They see value in simplifying information, automating repetitive tasks, supporting decision making and bringing information together across apps and services.

The same desire for simplicity extends to everyday mobile experiences. Reducing the number of steps needed to complete a task was the most frequently selected improvement (38%), followed by bringing relevant information together rather than searching across apps (30%).

Other priorities included completing more tasks without switching devices (29%), moving between tasks without losing their place (29%), reducing distractions (25%) and viewing multiple pieces of information at once (23%).

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Survey Methodology:

The Productivity Gap survey was conducted on behalf of Samsung Electronics Canada using the Leger Opinion panel platform with 1,547 Canadian adults aged 18+. The study was conducted between August 31 and September 2, 2026, and was conducted in English and French. Results were weighted by age, gender and region to match the population according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability-based sample of 1,500 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

[1] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. Modes and Routines need to be enabled to use Personal Data Engine for context-based Routines suggestions. User needs to consent to access permissions such as photos, videos, audio files, and calendar events. May not display moments depending upon exposure policy. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Events schedule notification is supported with calendar apps that utilize Android calendar database and available if Samsung Calendar is installed. Notifications for coupons only available for coupons added to Samsung Wallet with expiration date. To check the Energy Score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronized with the Samsung Health App. The result is for your personal reference only and is not intended for medical purposes.

[2] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

Unfold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 — your ultimate travel companion with multimodal capability for smoother, and smarter travel.

As the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series device yet, its pro-level cameras and AI features make it the ideal travel buddy. Translation: zero travel stress, max fandom vibes.

Before You Go: Unfold Your Travel Planner

You’re about to witness a once-in-a-lifetime reunion show, and it’s also your first time visiting Seoul. Relax. Galaxy Z Fold7 will handle the details.

Press and hold the side button to activate . Drop your concert date, hotel address and wish-list spots, then tell it:

“Recommend a 4-day, 3-night itinerary including a K-pop concert and save it to Samsung Notes.”

Gemini generates a custom itinerary, complete with must-visit fan cafés and your personal favorite’s trainee-era hangouts, fueling your ultimate K-pop pilgrimage.

“Should I pack this T-shirt or a hoodie?”

Don’t know what to pack? Let Gemini suggest for you. Activate camera sharing on Gemini Live to hold up your outfit options and just ask Gemini what works best to get real-time advice. It will consider Seoul’s weather and the kind of exploring you’ll be doing. No more overpacking so you’ll have more room in your luggage to bring home all that concert swag.

When the jet-set countdown starts, Now Brief has you covered. It shows your boarding pass details, Seoul’s current weather and real-time exchange rates front and center — so you can check what matters at a glance, before your trip.

Gate to Stage: AI Navigates Your Tour

You land at Incheon International Airport and the clock is ticking. So you ask:

“What’s the fastest and most affordable route to my hotel carrying two suitcases?”

In no time, Gemini displays side-by-side cards for airport express trains, buses and taxis, complete with fares, travel times and transfer counts all laid out[3].

Seoul Highlights, From Tradition to Modernity

After leaving your luggage at the hotel, day one kicks off at Bukchon Hanok Village, the perfect “Hello, Korea” setting for your vlog. Rest the Galaxy Z Fold7 on a ledge — Flex Mode lets you shoot easily, no tripod needed, while capturing the full Hanok backdrop

But wait. Those unwanted photobombers in your pictures? Gone. Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist understands the whole scene, and Suggest Erases automatically detects and removes them with one tap. All done without post-editing hassle. Plus, with Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original, you can instantly compare the before-and-after images on the unfolded screen.

Next stop: K-beauty heaven. Aisles and aisles of products, but when you pick one up to read the label, it’s all in Korean. No worries. Camera sharing on Gemini Live can translate the ingredient labels listed in Korean, sprinkling in emojis for context to help you know what you’re buying. Still overwhelmed? Ask Gemini:

“Recommend one for sensitive skin.”

Gemini cross-checks the ingredients and suggests a top 3 recommendation list tailored to you. You can check out like a skincare pro, not a confused tourist.

Main Stage Moment: Your Favorite Idol Up Close

It’s finally the big day. Your lightstick is charged, your phone is fully juiced and the stadium is crowded with fans. You might be stuck in the nosebleeds, but Galaxy Z Fold7’s 200MP camera captures your personal favourite up close with crystal-clear detail. Moreover, thanks to the 10 MP 100° front camera, you can squeeze all your new friends into one frame and still grab the boys on stage too. When the arena goes dark, Nightography[5] kicks in, turning a sea of flickering lightsticks into sharp, balanced footage you’ll replay on a loop after the encore.

Final Encore: Edit and Elevate

Say goodbye, Seoul — hello airborne edit bay. Plane rides are perfect for some creativity. With Galaxy Z Fold7’s expansive screen, editing your travel vlog is easier than ever. Use the upgraded Audio Eraser to reduce the sound of the crowd’s background noise so your favorite member’s vocals shine.

Z Fold7: The Perfect Travel Companion

Galaxy Z Fold7 isn’t just another travel gadget — it’s the backstage pass, stylist, translator, map and editing tool that elevates your creativity to the next level. It’s no longer the smartphone era; welcome to the age of the AI sidekick. Skip the endless search bars and just talk. Unfold your phone, and half your trip is already handled. So go ahead, live your best wanderlust life. GalaxyZ Fold7’s got your back from takeoff to touchdown.

[1] Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Results for illustrative purposes. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Currently, you can use a personal Google Account that you manage on your own, or a work or school account for which your administrator has enabled access to Gemini. You must be 13 (or the applicable age in your country) or over to use Gemini with a personal or school Google Account and 18 or over to use Gemini with a work account.

[2] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. Modes and Routines need to be enabled to use Personal Data Engine for context-based Routines suggestions. User needs to consent to access permissions such as photos, videos, audio files, and calendar events. May not display moments depending upon exposure policy. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Events schedule notification is supported with calendar apps that utilize Android calendar database and available if Samsung Calendar is installed. Notifications for coupons only available for coupons added to Samsung Wallet with expiration date. To check the Energy Score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronized with the Samsung Health App. The result is for your personal reference only and is not intended for medical purposes.

[3] Accuracy of results may vary

[4] Photo Assist using Generative Edit requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[5] Results may vary depending on shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects

[6] Results may vary per video depending on sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login required. Certain types of sound can be detected such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source, and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.