I can’t concentrate, can you?

November 27, 2012 by Tim Leonard — Brand Provocator

I am writing this on an iPad. I could use a notepad and pen but I like not having to write it up later, and I can receive email and text or go and browse the net. ‘Great’ you’d think, right? The thing is, I keep getting…

[bing! - new email]

…ah, distracted, yes these little interruptions keeping me abreast of any new messages I have. Much like reading a webpage with some flashy ads running up the side, these alerts keep distracting me. Why don’t I just turn them off then? The thing is, I have to confess I’m addicted to them.

[bing! - Facebook update]

So I’m addicted to updates on my shiny connected pad gadget, so what? The trouble is when I try to read a magazine article or worse an actual book, I find I have trouble concentrating. The problem is that my mind keeps wandering and wondering…

[bing! - Twitter mention]

…what’s happening on Twitter – have I got any new emails, so on and so on. I have unwittingly trained my mind to accept information in short bite-size chunks and it’s got used to being bombarded almost constantly by updates.

[bing! - new text message]

[bing! - new email]

This problem has been recognised by Freedom software, who have developed an application that disables your internet connection for a specified length of time. Once disabled, you need a full reboot to get your connection back. How times have changed, productivity software that disconnects you…

[bing! - new email]

[bing! – Twitter mention]

[bing! - calendar event]

[bing! - alarm]

I consider myself a digital immigrant (I’m 37 and the first music I bought was on vinyl and cassette). I notice the change in my levels of concentration and find it quick scary – but what of the true digital natives, the kids who are growing up only knowing a world of smart phones and 4G and always-on connectivity?

[bing! - new email]

Technology seems to be an extension of the self and, without even knowing it, are our children’s brains going to be wired differently – or has this always been going on since the invention of the wheel?

[bing! - new text message]

[bing! - Facebook update]

It seems to me we need to embrace technology (you can’t just hide under a rock, can you?). Imagine a business not having an internet connection these days? But maybe we should be building-in some safe guards or quiet time into our lives, in and out of work?

[bing! - new email]

So less iPad for me and more books. That’s fine, I love books, OK now let’s just check Amazon…

[bing! - new text message]

[bing! - new email]

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, please don’t message me.

Over and out.

 


  • http://www.grahamcreative.me www.GrahamCreative.me

    Absolutely. And it affects creativity too. It’s hard running an agency now – connectivity and social is the way to get your employees inspired, connected, social, competitive, but nothing beats a late night, with nobody around you, just the radio, pizza, beer, and a focussed mind on creating stuff. I practically dream of this rare time alone now.

    The future is a fact, and creativity and brains will adapt to this new norm. It won’t be the same, older folk won’t cope, won’t get it, but that’s not new… back in the day it took 2 weeks to craft a concept, creating type by hand. Is that better? I doubt it… but challenges always serve to inspire even greater creativity.

    Right, I’m off to the local shops for 1lb of mince for dinner, and I’m NOT taking my phone. I’ll reply once I’m back…

  • http://www.facebook.com/whothehellisjamiecampbell Jamie Campbell

    I wish I was as popular as you, Tim.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=694250365 Sam Cowen

    I think part of this is a need for personal validation – we like to see people respond to our online posts and emails as a way to get approval or at least reconfirm that we’re being listened to. Checking facebook, twitter and email for responses all the time is a way to check you still matter to the outside world!

    Perhaps one way to handle this is to set your email and social media to only check for new stuff every couple of hours, leaving you time to concentrate in between?

  • http://www.facebook.com/dave.brown.902 Dave Brown

    If the Amiga had triumphed we wouldn’t have had this problem. We also would have had the current generation of consoles ten years ago.
    Errmmmm… Point was Commodore et al worked with you; Apple and MSoft always wanted to own you.

    • http://www.facebook.com/dave.brown.902 Dave Brown

      To clarify – the Amiga, the original Apples, the Spectrums and other lesser known platforms all existed as computers; the PC was a business machine. Okay, I admit defeat. I need to blog this.

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