We love our gadgets. They are great for work. They are great for play. They allow us to be connected in such a way that having to “call into the office to check messages” is a thing of the past. On many levels they make life easier and more convenient than ever.
There is, however, a dark side to all this constant connectivity. These devices break down the barriers between work and home. The result… every place becomes a potential for work, no place is automatically restful and interruptions are everywhere. Yes, there is no rest for the interconnected.
Inc. magazine has an interesting, if not disturbing, article on the phenomena. The article is entitled “Living With A Blackberry Addict” but it could just as easily refer to an iPhone, Android or Windows Mobile user. It points out that today we are anxiously connected BUT also feel anxious “when we disconnect from the world”.
The author goes on to quote MIT professor Sherry Turkle who observes,
It’s not good or bad — it’s here. That ship has sailed. But it does pose a question: What are our human values? Is it important to give full attention to whomever you’re with or to whatever you’re doing, no matter how seductive the technology? I’m not saying to stop using these devices. But we need to be more reflective about their use.
The author offers some suggestions which, while common sense, are worth consideration. It is a worthwhile read and, if it makes you a bit anxious… you KNOW it is talking about you!
