Digital Fatigue
In a world of instant communication, ubiquitous computing and 24-hour news cycles, it’s a wonder that we get any sleep at all. For all the benefits of an “always on” lifestyle, there is a growing unease about our digital world. Some recent studies indicate that this unease has merit. Certainly, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have improved efficiency and productivity in our daily lives, but could there also be negative consequences to their use?
So Useful, It Hurts
Some professionals are discovering that this might be the case. A study by Rutgers University in 2006 showed that ICTs can be overused and induce addictive behaviors. According to the study’s lead author, Gayle Porter:
“There are costs attached to excessive work due to technology,†says Porter. “Information and communication technology (ICT) addiction has been treated by policy makers as a kind of elephant in the room — everyone sees it, but no one wants to acknowledge it directly. Owing to vested interests of the employers and the ICT industry, signs of possible addiction — excess use of ICT and related stress illnesses — are often ignored.â€
Even as ICTs assist users in staying connected to the workplace and the digital world around them, the negative consequences of an “always-on” culture are increasingly visible. One example of this is the renaming of the popular Blackberry device as the Crackberry.
A lingo has sprung up around the devices, with heavy users calling themselves “Crackberry” addicts, referring to the highly addictive form of cocaine. The surreptitious glance downward, head bowed, to check for e-mail during a meeting is referred to as a “Blackberry prayer.”
As humorous as this is, it belies more serious concerns. A recent study by Kelton Research shows that the “always on” culture isn’t just confined to ICTs, but extends to regular computer use as well. It found that 65 percent of Americans spend more time with their computer than their spouse or significant other. This trend is increasing, too, with 84 percent saying they were more dependent on their home computer than they were three years ago.
Below are a few bullet points laying out some concerns regarding the “always on” culture.
Philosophical/Ethical Concerns
- You are your data, your availability, not you. This is an impersonal system at best and dehumanizing at worst.
- Privacy
- What is a reasonable expectation of privacy in a world where your life’s fingerprint is held in the hands of hundreds of companies?
- If you’re available 24-7, are you ever private?
Emotional Concerns
- No ability to get away. You’re always available.
- Stress of expectations.
- There is a significant loss of control over your own life. You exist as a node in an information-processing network.
Physical Concerns
- Carpal tunnel/repetitive-stress injuries
- Sleep disorders.
- Stress-related illnesses.