[bmj]

I'm not sure the ATM is the best example, at least for simple transactions like withdrawing or depositing funds. Aside from the social interaction with a teller, using an ATM doesn't save me much time or work. Self-checkout kiosks at the grocery store, however, allow the business to push costs on the consumers because scanning and bagging my groceries does require more effort on my part. I'm not sure that is contributing to more fatigue (perhaps this is due to people working more hours?), however.

What is plainly true, however, is the rise in such self service. And the question of how this affects us, is interesting. I would speculate that one of these effects is an increase in anti-social behavior.

And this, I suspect, is what Illich was most interested in. (I've not read this particular book, however).

[yummyfajitas]

Aside from the social interaction with a teller, using an ATM doesn't save me much time or work.

Do you live right next to a bank? Until very recently, the closest bank branch was about 10 blocks away from my home. The ATM 2 blocks away (in a closet-sized retail space too small for a real bank) saved me miles of walking.

[rmc]

In my experience there are vastly more ATMs than bank desks. There are ATMs in shops and bars and on many street corners.ATMs are also available 24/7 not 10-4.