Jun 06
28
Unplugging Vs. The Cult of the Busy
Tamera’s recent post over at (3i) has me thinking about something I haven’t in a while which is the mental impact of all of the communication devices and channels we have from email, voicemail, SMS, IM, blog comments, community sites, etc. Aside from all the benefits of these channels, I do find it so much easier to be insanely busy, without actually accomplishing anything substantial.
While I feel that innovations such as RSS are keeping me up to date with more sources with less effort, there is no question that the sheer distractions of various devices and communication methods can be seriously detrimental when you actually need to get something done or even take time to think.
What I have been predicting for several years (which has yet to come true, but still might) that certain people’s time will be deamed far too valuable to be accessed directly. These “unplugged” people will actually have the luxury of thinking while doing such tasks as walking down the street, driving, being in an elevator rather than using the blackberry, or reviewing blog comments on their Treo.
In a ceaseless drive towards efficiency, accessibility, always on, instant access, etc. some of the most valuable strategic minds are becoming so bogged down in managing minor details that the big picture is suffering.
Personally, I don’t find all these channels hamper my thinking (although they do keep me from getting as much done as I probably could), since I can’t sit in a dark room and think of anything useful. For me, I think best and come up with my best ideas on the fly while engaged in a conversation, so all these channels and distractions are actually helping me to think better. I might be wrong, but I don’t think everyone operates like that, do they?
Update: I came across a post from JRB on the closely related subject of BlackBerry-induced senility. I am recovered CrackBerry addict, I watch with some amusement (and a little fear) of the hold that these devices have on others.
