For the first time in over fifteen years, we have taken some measurable time off. Even during our time off, Darcy’s been filling orders and answering support mail — but we haven’t been doing Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair sessions or writing newsletters. So we have had extra free time off to reconnect with our families and friends — and to explore life “outside the box”. But we still had our smartphones and tablets with us, and our computers just a short walk away; sometimes it’s been hard to stay away. But we really needed time to recharge.
So when when we saw this article, we thought we’d share this with you — and ask you one simple question: Are you addicted to the Internet? Well, are you?
Connected Culture Could Be Bad for Your Health
Our lives are increasingly dominated by never-ending to-do lists and full email inboxes. We try to jam 54 hours into a 24-hour day. We no longer have the energy we want to spend time doing what matters most to us and the numbers prove it.
The 40-hour work week is a relic of the past. 40% of Americans are now regularly working over 40 hours a week, and “work/life balance” becomes increasingly difficult to maintain when we’re only a text or email away from the office. And this culture of connectedness spills over from the workplace into our personal lives — 7 in 10 parents say that “family time” often consists of sitting silently in front of the TV, lacking the energy to even make conversation or break out a board game.
Let’s face it, we’re in an energy crisis.
Below, we take a look at the facts, figures, and stats surrounding low energy levels and connected culture:
This article was published by Mashable — read the original article here.
” But we still had our smartphones and tablets with us, and our computers just a short walk away…”
This is the huge problem..the “umbillicle cord” always has to stay attached. Why? For you? Or is it because everyone else will “expect” you to, and demand a reason why it wasn’t?
I am thrilled that you took some time off. I only hope it was enough.
As for the article and so much of it that’s true. Why did we let it happen? Why is, what was supposed to make life easier has made it worse than ever. We have become slaves to a technology, rather than taking control of it wisely, utilizing it for our own personal ease, convenience, pleasure, etc….not somebody else’s.
Slaves to every one else ,
“Must do …” “Must see…” “Hurry before stocks are sold…” “Grab a bargain, quick…” “On sale for one day only…” “MUST be completed on time, within budget, no matter what…” “Sales targets for this year are…”
“I was exceeding the speed limit officer…….. but …. no, not an emergency, everyone else is…… ”
“I will be home late, yes, again ….. the boss wants….” “……..but Mom, I HAVE to text Marcia, NOW. She’ll think something is wrong if I don’t….” ” In a moment, dear, I know the basement is flooding but I HAVE to reply to my email…….”
Happy 2014 to you both!
I’m happy you got to be with family and friends. You need to take care of yourselves! As far as the article goes, I thank you for sharing it with us. I can now say with accuracy that I AM NOT ADDICTED TO THE NET! 🙂
I use only my desktop pc although I do have a cheap Tracfone only for emergency calls, NOTHING ELSE! I think I’m safe, don’t you?
One very important thing, I THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES, A MILLION TIMES— for all of your hard work to keep us informed and SAFE! I promise I’ll do my very best to support you all I can, though living on a very small fixed income makes it extremely hard to give even small amounts. THANKS AGAIN!
From my window I see kids AND adults walking, or driving past. Everyone is either walking past texting, or on their smart phone.No Socialability!!We had our 3 kids and 3 grandkids over Christmas. I finished cleaning up the kitchen & went to our LR for a ‘social time.’ One adult had an e-reader up to his face..Our daughters & son (50+) were either on their Smart phones or on their laptop or Ipad. Not one head raised when I walked into the room.
Addicted you ask?? Where will their “Social Skills” be when it’s their time to run the country??
Addicted you ask? Everyone of them! It’s a sad case watching this “family time” go down the drain…Take the time off..We all agree you should! Happy New Year..
We had a Great Old Fashion Christmas here in Nova Scotia. Good food & Drink plus an old family friend for dinner, and one of our daughters & her family were with us also. Our other daughters were either skiing out west in Whistler, BC or celebrating their Christmas in a log cabin on a lake in the woods here in Nova Scotia. All in all we were all Blest with the Christmas Season.
Found a new word that some of you folks might wont to use, “Exhaustipated”, meaning too tired to give a hoot. 🙂
May the New Year bring you and your loved ones much Peace & Happiness from a couple of 80 plus folks here in Snowy Nova Scotia.
yes I am and admit it, not so much as others but still tied to the internet online banking and guitar and banjo lessons and keeping up with the untruthful news . Do I spend time away from the internet ? the answer is yes I do not feel compelled to go to the net even when I have nothing to do. I will grab the guitar or the banjo and practice and not on the net but with a program I have ,is that the same thing ? just wondered if using apps was addicted to the net . It is a tool to use but when we wander aimlessly then that is the first sign of addiction . Spending hours and hours on facebook or NOTH or any other social site would be considered to me an addiction using the net or a program to improve your self not so much. The younger people tend to be enamored with being on the net and carry with them a lap top or a tablet with wireless connection and stay on it through lunch and supper and in some dire case breakfast . What is next or is it here already surfing while driving a car ?