Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tether....

I was driving to work one morning and my daydreaming brought me to my blog - having not posted for some time now, I figured it was something that was dead and should probably stay that way. Then I started to read some of my past posts; it was at that point that I realized the span between posts only means that life has got in the way. Why would I be upset about that?

Well, I know a fellow who is somewhat tied down by technology - openly admitting that he cannot leave home without his tether - a black box that rings or chimes every so often to arouse his attention. On occasion, he might look at this box, maybe even type on it, or better still, talk into it. It's attached to his belt, carried everywhere. It's apparent that it has become a part of his life. From different perspectives it all turns into the same thing - convenience and accountability. If you look at a typical office worker, 40 hours a week, or 8 hours a day - nowadays that commitment is shot right out the window. Yup, work has literally been increased to the point where you cannot describe it in hours, no, it comes down to "when do you have some free time"? People think about your obligations and responsibilities - then, as a secondary thought, they think about you.

Did I mention that there is no such thing as a 24 hour day? That went out the window long ago. Every day works itself into the next, it just makes things easier. How did that happen? I suppose technology screwed us over at some point (pardon the expression), but if you are going to spend your hard earned money on a smartphone so that you are "connected", cramming more time into your day by doing electronic tasks, haven't you just added to the pile of stuff that you already have to do? Yup, goodbye 24 hour day. Now, you are not only "personally" accountable, you are now accountable to people who you only speak to on a message board or through Blackberry messenger or text messaging.

And you wonder why people get so burnt out and stressed. I suppose it's as simple as hitting the "OFF" button, but just try it...I dare you.