In the newsfeed above, Tim Bryce discusses how technology has it affects in more ways than one. One of the points he makes is that technology has made us want everything instantly including doctor visits and ordering food because of quick access to just about anything at our fingertips. I will be the first to admit I’m guilty with wanting things or information right away. What’s more alarming though is a study he shares which reveals that employees who are distracted by phone calls, emails, and text messages undergo at least a 10 point IQ loss than if they had smoked marijuana or lost a night’s sleep (Bryce, 2011). In a world that is constantly moving forward with technology innovations (smartphones, iPods, iPads, virtual gaming systems, YouTube, touch screen appliances, you name it) how do we find balance or is it even possible at this point and time?
I do love the convenience of my Smartphone. I admit that I am completely engrossed in this instant age and I love it! I am usually the first person to grab my phone during a discussion and say, "Give me a sec and I'll find it online" for whatever we are talking about or looking for.
ReplyDeleteI have also noticed, though, how intrusive technology can be at work. We sit in cubicles and I can hear someone's phone ringing and beepping all day long -- i mean, literally, nonstop!
Because I don't like a lot of interruption, I have made the decision to turn off many of my alerts. I realized that they interfere with my productivity and got rid of some of them. I don't need to know the exact moment a new email or facebook post comes in. I did keep the alert for text, though, because this is how my son typically communicates with me. :-)
I wish others would remove some of their alerts as well. I wonder if they knew that I (and perhaps others in the office) associate their phone consumption with lack of productivity. Hmmmm. . .