Each must find a balance of when to touch, and when to reach out
When I grew up, mobile technology was a thing of fantasy. Kids could only dream of what would be like to talk with detective Dick Tracy's famous "watch", or Captain Kirk's mobile communicator. Today, millennials report that they spend 14.5 hours a week with their smartphones. We are now entering the new age of wearing our technology on our wrists and in our clothes. With today's social media, it is possible to be "always on" and in "touch" with anyone in the world. But, what is the price of today's technology? … when do you cross the line and lose your soul?
Why this is important: As with everything in life, technology is neither good nor evil. There is a growing temptation to simply click to connect. Each of us must find a balance of being virtually in touch, versus losing touch with our humanness.
The Internet of Things and the marvelous age of high tech connections
It is impossible to list all of the incredible gadgets and technology of the last decade. But, if there is one device changing the world, it is the "smart" phone. Less than two decades ago, it was impossible to imagine being able to connect with anyone in the world wirelessly. Today, there are almost 1.75 billion smartphone users on the planet and the number is rapidly growing. And, I don't need to call, I can simply email, "Facebook", or tweet anyone I have met on my worldwide travels.
While we continue to find ways to connect via our smartphones, these gadgets are being replaced in the new IoT age called the Internet of Things. We already have smart "watches" and a host of bands to wear on our wrists to monitor where we go, how fit we are, and how well we sleep. As the IoT gains momentum, our coffee pots, refrigerators and whole houses will be in touch and communicating with us. How many texts do you want from your home appliances that your laundry is done, and that you must stop and buy milk on the way home?
The bad and the ugly of today's technology
Today's technology has literally created the capacity to be "always on". Whether it be by tablet, phone or wristband … it is possible to always be connected with both our networks and unlimited information of the web. With today's gadgets, multi-tasking is the norm. The question is not being connected, but avoiding drowning in the deluge.
Scientists are just beginning to study the impact of multitasking on the brain. There is even a new level of neck damage that occurs from constantly looking down at our small screens, not to mention all of the wrist damage from manipulating all the gadgets. In short, there is a clear and present physical danger of too much technology.
Scientists are also questioning whether technology is making us smarter or impaired. Recent research shows that multitasking is slowing our response times. Some even are questioning whether the always on syndrome is causing ADD. However, the real question is whether connecting with a click is in fact making us more disconnected?
5 Signs that we are losing our humanity and soul to technology
Aside from any physical health consequences, we are definitely feeling impact of technology in our lives. Indeed, many simply cannot break away from "being connected" while on vacation. They simply have to check email every day or at least several times a day while on holiday. And, there's always Facebook. How can you go anywhere on a trip without posting selfies and vacation photos, not to mention checking for comments on your great photos!
It all comes down to a question of balance. When does technology become an addiction? When is too much tech a threat to our important relationships at a personal level?
How do you know if you are suffering from too much technology? Here are five sure signs that raise the question of setting boundaries and balance of technology in our lives:
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In your beautiful day at the beach, is everyone looking at their smartphones?Image Credit: BuzzFeed.com
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Are heads down checking stats on phones and missing big plays at the game?Image Credit: BuzzFeed.com
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Do family members have smartphones out at the dinner table?Image Credit: BuzzFeed.com
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Is your smartphone the first choice to connect with family and BFFs?Image Credit: BuzzFeed.com
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On your trip to the museum is everyone "googling" the art?
With "Always on" there is a real question of finding a "balance"
I recently received an email from a long time business colleague and friend, Steve Schiro. I can always count on Steve to provide new insights regarding the search for balance in life. His latest share was on this very topic of balancing technology in life. I encourage you to invest just 3 minutes of your time to click on the screen shot below to watch the Prince Ea YouTube video. And, ask yourself the same serious question whether you will challenge tech intrusion, and know when to switch it all off.
Why I Refuse to Let Technology Control Me. Prince Ea
Prince Ea raises great questions for our times: are we a slave to technology, or do we know how to reach out to others to personally connect and renew our humanity?
... Personal Commentary ...
Personal testimony for the marvelous benefits of technology
If you look at my contact profile, you will see a complete list of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, email, websites and the many ways I connect with people in conducting business around the world.
The real value of today's technology is to be able to connect with a daughter living half way around the world. My daughter is working in South Sudan in conditions that are stark to say the least. It is impossible to send regular mail or even express courier packages to her. It is nothing short of a miracle to be able to connect with her via Skype. It is sheer joy to hear her voice and see her face as she describes what she is doing to save thousands of refugees scattered in chaos. These are the moments of humanity where technology shines.
5 Ways I'm learning to manage technology's intrusions in my life
While I don't claim to be addicted, I have been known to check my smartphone at family events. Upon seeing Prince Ea's video, I've been working on managing technology / life balance. Here are my 5 tips for how I'm limiting technology from taking over all of my life:
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Switch it off. I switch off all social media and smartphones for at least an hour a day in order to think and have time to write.
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Choose wisely. I invest in building LinkedIn contacts for business, I limit Facebook to immediate family and friends.
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NO devices at the dinner table. Period!
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Limited hours. Smartphones switch off after dinner ... they never go to bed with me.
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No charger on vacation. I take my phone with on vacation but no charger. That definitely limits use to outbound and coming back, nothing during the holiday. And, for those of you saying you could always borrow a charger … get a life!
What are your "horror stories" of how technology has invaded your life? What tips can you share for achieving a tech balance in your life?
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Sources:
- Wall Street Journal CMO Today:Millennials Spend 14.5 Hours Per Week on Smartphones, Suzanne Vranica; July 2, 2014
- eMarketer: Smartphone Users Worldwide Will Total 1.75 Billion in 2014, January 16, 2014
- Forbes: Multitasking Damages Your Brain and Career, New Studies Suggest, Travis Bradberry; October 8, 2014
- Smartphone Image: Stuart Miles; Freedigitalphotos.net
- Smartphone Interaction Images: BuzzFeed.com, 10 Awesome Ways To Have A Really Great Time With Your Friends; Dave Stopera
- YouTube.com: Why I Refuse to Let Technology Control Me.; Prince Ea
Love your five ways of managing the technology in your life. Well done!
Posted by: Jacqueline | November 16, 2014 at 09:43 AM