How we disconnect from technology – just for a moment

I believe this is an important discussion, as research shows neurological advantages. Research suggests that internet users show greater brain activity than nonusers. The downside is, that heightened activity predisposes us to addiction.

The social implications are far reaching. In fact I asked myself where will I be, not in ten years, nor five, but one year from now if bad habits prevail.

I wrote and printed a newsletter as a Civil Celebrant, which was mailed to a targeted audience of 1,500

The feature article is about online relationships preceding real life relationships. With a lap top or iPhone in our bed, that makes for three in the marriage bed.

As for me, I’m reclaiming my focus for life, and love of writing stories. While I value the tools made available to me, the internet is a faithless lover, distracted friend, and fair weather fiend.

Hello, my name is Cat and I’m addicted to *connectivity technology*

I *heart* my iPhone … will resist the iPad and I make an effort each night to *turn-off* and *disconnect* from my technology sources. However, as you can see by the time of this post, I am lured back very easily even as I *shut-down* on the way to bed.

I will come back to this one over the weekend (after I have read Catherine’s post and thought through the costs / benefits of my technology addiction)… I am not sure it is *necessary* to shut-down my technolgy … but it is important to remember priorities …

I think that Robin almost proves my case. We are all connected, all day to technology. This discussion demonstrates that. Switch off IT and your lights won’t work, petrol pumps fail, stop the music.

Life is a kaleidoscope of connectivity to one another, places, experiences. Increasingly this is online. But technology is about enablement. Two thoughts:
1) How much do we lose by not using the tools which can enable us? You can get to New York by ship, but in an age of intercontinental jet travel, that would not exemplify the best use of your time. Then again you can connect with people face to face instantly with Skype, Messenger, ooVoo. Thinking about the planet, we should be using this technology more frequently. My point for Robin is that to demonstrate diamond tipped focus, having mobile technology would remove barriers and enable him to connect more comprehensively irrespective of location. He connects anyway, we all do, but choosing not to use the most appropriate tools available is like cooking boiling a pot of water on a fire, when you could use an electric jug.

2) My 2nd thought is about purpose. Again Robin exemplifies this. He tweets, comments, provokes, and blogs more than anyone I know. There is nothing wrong in taking that ship to NYC, if your purpose is to slow down. My parents are at this moment driving to South Africa from the UK. They’re emigrating and could’ve flown, but they’re purpose was to see the continent, to take the trip slowly, to have an adventure. Even so, they stayed connected to the family wih Skype, and their blog: http://fishinamanzi.info
If your purpose not to get a phone is to stay disconnected, or less connected, you’ve failed already and are missing out on enabling technology. If your purpose is to put space into your day, use the off button, they all come with one

Posted unashamedly from my iPad in bed

What a timely discussion!

As a business that is totally geared to producing editorial both on and offline, recently, we’ve had to take a close look at our actual process of following leads, stories, writing copy, photography and generating revenue.

It’s been an interesting experiment over the last few weeks insomuch that the less time online has actually ‘increased’ our productivity ‘and’ revenue. Good old-fashioned phone-calls followed by a ruthless regime of ‘head-down’ editorial production has actually been the driver for significant change in partnerships, cash-flow and more opportunities on the horizon.

I suppose I feel vindicated as it has always been my suspicion that an SM dominated work-day is ultimately only going to be of value if it’s a good business fit. The balance of fostering connection with one’s community is of course vital. However, staying totally focused on the core business production line is too.

It’s becoming increasing clear to me that we can fall into the trap of thinking online presence has to be dominant. But, if, as we do, speak to people via articles, photography and editorial comment, it’s all part of the value-added cycle of connectivity.

There’s a side issue too. Something I’m developing an article on and it’s this: there are certain people and businesses that are a turn off, mainly because of their dominant approach to online communication via SM and, as I’ve mentioned in the past, non-transferable skills, personality and philosophy offline – which is where the real business is solidified. Can they talk about something else? It’s kind of important isn’t it?

So. In short. Picking up the phone and speaking directly to people quickly and early on stops a wastage of online time. Being ruthless in blocking off time to focus on production mashed with shut-out time to actually allow ones brain to assimilate and create has been successful for us. It’s increased the bottom line and that’s a real-world, three-dimensional measurement of success.

I think this discussion is really important. I’m certainly unconvinced as to the ‘catch-all’ SM philosophy.

I like Roger’s zen-like approach. It’s a good philosophical fit and it immediately makes me warm to someone if I feel they have a life offline and have the discipline(s) to live it. That advertises balance and poise. I like that.

And Catherine’s points resonate completely. The question of where we’ll be in years to come is really one of context I think. There are so many economical and environmental changes on the horizon and a world-shift in socio-economics, the iPad and iPhone dominated discussions will almost be social taboos; mimicking the ‘loadsamoney’ city-speak rejection of the 80s. There’s an increasing number of people backing off and shutting down from the SM noise too. We’ve been working with some interesting people and studies recently.

It’s a great topic and spills over into many psychological and sociological areas. Good one!

Good post Mr D

Best wishes,

Luke

You write a book