Online, Connected and Stressed Out

With cell phones and wireless connections, the assumption is that it is possible to be ‘almost’ always connected. And this means being available. - I think it is stressful. It places absolutely no limits on work hours.

Here is an example: As a habit and a means of avoiding being inundated with unanswered email, I try to respond promptly to messages. However, if there is a period of a day or two, when I do not answer my messages, I start receiving mail that inquires about my health and well being. Perhaps that is an expectation that I have created, by usually timely responses. It seems that email knows no time zones (nor does it recognize the International Dateline). People’s anxiety seems to increase if there is a delay in responding. One wonders how people coped when snail mail took days, and sometimes weeks, even to reach a recipient.

It seems even worse with a cell phone. Try turning off your cell phone for a couple of days. Don’t be surprised if there are search parties out looking for you.

This technology is suppose to make things easier. Instead it seems to generate its own level of constant stress and unrelenting expectations. - Oh well, I can’t think about that now. I have email to answer…

Catherine

[tags]internet, cell phones, technology, stress[/tags]