Given the times we live in, with technology exploding everywhere, new apps being pumped out daily, user generated content, web 2.0, mobile devices, anytime anywhere learning and business (and the list goes on…) an interesting point for pondering is Technology Saturation. Has technology taken over how we spend our time? Can we/do we balance our lives? Can we unplug when necessary or appropriate?  Focus versus time fragmentation. Does technology use negatively impact the way we spend personal time? family time?  Can you put limits around your technology use that work for you and your family?

From the last week:

I read Will Richardson’s blog post on technoslavery. It is a great article and I would recommend you read it.

Staff at work were talking about technology ‘noise’. They feel they are being bombarded with so much information they are being less effective, rather than more effective. We had an interesting conversation about dialing into the ‘right things’ for them – focusing on information that would be a difference to them in a professional or personal way. At the end of the day, a reduction of participation in mailing lists would be an easy place to reduce the ‘noise level’. There was agreement that being connected to the right people and information sources is important – the PLN concept.

Other discussions focused on social media. How do companies and educational institutions manage social media? Block access to effectively ban it during work hours? Some companies allow use for business purposes related directly to the company – the tweet your products viewpoint. Other leave social media open, and work toward appropriate use. That is a good thing. After all, social media does provide excellent networking and collaboration opportunities while adding to the technology noise level. How do you control your social media time in your non work time?

I think this all boils down to using technology effectively. Do the things that work for you, that help you to be more effective at whatever it is that you do (work, hobby etc.). None the less, it is an interesting point to consider. Lots to think about. I am sure this topic will keep bubbling up as we have more time the think and observe.

As for me, I am powering off for some sleep before I get back online first thing in the morning 🙂

~ Mark