I remember listening to a radio segment (is that what they are called?) once where the presenter was talking about going offline for a week. No Facebook, no Twitter, no emails, no texts.
At the time (admittedly it was a couple of years ago, which in technology/social media years makes it ca. the ice age) I was a bit confused by this concept. The thought that NOT checking in was a challenge. Oh how ignorant I was, young and foolish.
It's not that I'm addicted. I just happen to get repetitive strain injury in my hand from using my iPhone too much. No biggie. Happens to all of us doesn't it? Oh wait... Pardon? You say something? Sorry, I was just checking something. Important stuff of course. Isn't it all?
The thing is, it's not. It's just a habit. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Zite, Feedly. And repeat. Because in the last two minutes something earth shatteringly brilliant might have been broadcast on one of the aforementioned. Or not, but then at least I know I'm not missing anything.
If I heard that radio feature today, it wouldn't seem like a confusing concept. It would just sound quite impossible. I mean, it's ingrained in my life. My friends and family keep me updated via Facebook. Where would I go for some quick witted banter if not Twitter? The calendar makes me remember my life. People would miss the pictures of my home made slice of toast. No? Surely.
I do have times where "my precious" (read "iPhone") is left to wait patiently for me to return. I have to let the kids win sometimes or else they'd probably draw a picture of me like this at school at some point:
Work. Holidays (the moment you lose the 4G connection, "eek!"). I do know how to survive without it. But I don't like it. I reckon that's a sign to have a go at a "technology time out".
Soon. Tomorrow. Maybe.
You're going to join me aren't you?
At the time (admittedly it was a couple of years ago, which in technology/social media years makes it ca. the ice age) I was a bit confused by this concept. The thought that NOT checking in was a challenge. Oh how ignorant I was, young and foolish.
It's not that I'm addicted. I just happen to get repetitive strain injury in my hand from using my iPhone too much. No biggie. Happens to all of us doesn't it? Oh wait... Pardon? You say something? Sorry, I was just checking something. Important stuff of course. Isn't it all?
The thing is, it's not. It's just a habit. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Zite, Feedly. And repeat. Because in the last two minutes something earth shatteringly brilliant might have been broadcast on one of the aforementioned. Or not, but then at least I know I'm not missing anything.
If I heard that radio feature today, it wouldn't seem like a confusing concept. It would just sound quite impossible. I mean, it's ingrained in my life. My friends and family keep me updated via Facebook. Where would I go for some quick witted banter if not Twitter? The calendar makes me remember my life. People would miss the pictures of my home made slice of toast. No? Surely.
I do have times where "my precious" (read "iPhone") is left to wait patiently for me to return. I have to let the kids win sometimes or else they'd probably draw a picture of me like this at school at some point:
Work. Holidays (the moment you lose the 4G connection, "eek!"). I do know how to survive without it. But I don't like it. I reckon that's a sign to have a go at a "technology time out".
Soon. Tomorrow. Maybe.
You're going to join me aren't you?
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