Throughout American history, there have been several technological breakthroughs: Electricity, cars, and antibiotics have all led to a seismic shift in the economy.

But research has shown that the dawning of the digital age has had no such effect. Pondering this phenomenon (or lack of one), The New York Times points the finger at, among other possible factors, the almost embarrassing lack of economic improvement computers have had on the medical industry.

The Times offers other explanations: The ease with which computer users can switch from work to play without moving a large muscle, for instance; and the yawning gap among various industries in the success or failure of their adaption to new technologies.