Technology as a distraction - not losing your head

In today’s society, technology is everywhere. Picture the last time you caught the train – everyone was on their phone or tablet, right? People seem to have forgotten how to take time for themselves, to just look around the world. The use of technology is so pervasive in our lives that using technology to check social media is being discussed as an addiction. To add to this, studies have shown that young people would rather have their car stolen than their phone. So, why do we do it? Checking emails out of office hours on your phone has become synonymous with what people have to do to be successful. However, this technology can distance you from humanity and distract you from the important things in life. We give considerations on how to stay level headed and not let technology keep you from work, career and life goals!

How to change your thinking about the work your phone can do

Using social media is great to stay in touch with old friends or colleagues, but it becomes easy to forget that there is a human being on the other side. Consequently you may lose track of your purpose at that point in time, ie: to get in touch with and connect with another. It is important to familiarise yourself with the main intention you have when using your phone as a device before you get on it. This will help prevent against getting lost in a mass of emails or posts in your Facebook Newsfeed. This will also help prevent against those rage-filled Facebook status’ that your colleagues may see. Being self-aware of your thoughts and emotions is crucial in all settings, as well as being aware of the seemingly anonymous nature of the internet. Remember, employers and colleagues are now checking your Facebook, so use the same 'double-check' thinking you would use in a professional situation before any rant or party picture upload.

Why can’t I do both – have my Social media and be productive too?

In terms of multitasking, technology actually makes it harder to achieve your goals as it can facilitate a process called switch-tasking. This is multi-tasking without a specific goal in mind which is evidently unproductive. In many workplaces this can really drag down your productivity. Proper multitasking involves switching your mind between different parts of a process to achieve the same goal – not shifting your mental state entirely to a brand new task. An example of how technology makes this harder is constantly checking for notifications – unless work-related (which you will have to reply to as soon as possible), it is likely to be unimportant; and probably distract you from the task at hand.

So, how do you combat switch-tasking caused by distraction?

Research shows that solely using will-power will not cut it; rather you have to consciously integrate systems to schedule your work. A way you can do this is to work according to a scientific phenomenon called an ‘ultradian rhythm’ – the natural process which dictates how your body consumes energy. According to this theory, a cycle of 90 minutes of hard work followed by a 15 minute break is used to sync with ‘natural’ energy cycles to establish a higher focus and energy level. 

Do you have a way to balance phone and technology use through work effectively? Or find that you or other colleagues are hopelessly stuck to that screen? Let us know!