kenmurphy.org

Pressing Pause

Thanks for visiting my... uhhm, "post-less" blog. (Smile.) I've pressed "pause" on posting to my blog to rethink its purpose. I'm thankful to my friend Dustin Valencia, who has given me some helpful insights to consider. While I'm putting my thoughts together for my blog, Dustin has a blog I think you'll find engaging and worth your time. Check out Abraham's Chronicles, here!

In the meantime, I'll keep my blog's reading list (left column) up-to-date and Twitter feeds (right column) active.

 

Are you a techno-pot-head? Part 2

Technology has the potential to keep us scattered, hurried, anxious and distracted. It has the potential to erode our intimate relationships. It has the potential to be given a power over our lives that leaves our spouses and children with a sense that they are the least important part of our lives. In a sense, technology can have the same effects of an addictive drug.

Here are some suggestions to tame the techno-drugs in our lives:

 1. Schedule specific blocks of time in your day to check email. This may be a 15-minute block in the morning and a 15-minute block in the afternoon. Turn off your e-mail alert noises and that beckon you into the e-mail abyss.

2. Set some phone boundaries, especially at home. Schedule "black hours" so that your attention is on your spouse, children or devoted to actually having a "live" conversation with a real human being. "Black Hours" may mean you don't receive or make phone calls during meal times or after 6 p.m. or before 8 a.m.

3. Go out with your family without your cell phone. When you head to the pool or out to eat with your family, don't take your phone. Leave it on your desk. I'm sure it needs recharging, after all the minutes you've burned--right?

What are some other ways you have take steps to take back the authority you've given to your technology devices?

Are you a techno-pot-head?

Excessive use of technology may be hazardous to your health--your mental health and mental productivity. A recent study found that people distracted by incoming e-mail and phone calls actually have a 10-point fall in their IQ. Researchers claim this fall is more than twice that found in studies on the impact of smoking marijuana. Uhm, excuse me? That gives the term "pot-head" new meaning.

Are you a techno-pot-head?

If you answer "yes" to these three questions, you may need to evaluate the authority your technology is claiming over your life:

1. Is your cell phone always with you and always on?

2. Do you feel the need to immediately answer every single phone call or e-mail that comes to you?

3. Are you frustrated with other people when you call or e-mail them and they don't answer your call immediately?

Take time to evaluate the authority you have given technology over your life. What words would you use to describe your thoughts or how you feel when you hear your phone ring or your e-mail notification beckon you?