» Tech Overload

Why are tech types of all ages inclined to sit in front of a computer for 10, 12, 14 or more hours a day, weeks on end? They (we) replace real life, tangible experiences for ones experienced through a 20″ monitor, keyboard and mouse. This reminds me of a Frank Lloyd Wright quote:

If it keeps up, man will atrophy all his limbs but the push-button finger.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Regina Lynn in Even Geeks Need a Breather discusses relationships in the internet age and gives pointers on what to do if you experience tech burnout.

Caroline Tiger, author of The Long-Distance Relationship Guide, notes that “a lot of modern relationships have more distance built-in, with people working crazy hours and traveling all the time.”

And of course the internet has broadened the pool of people we meet, making it possible to fall in love across distances great and small.

The more distance between you, the more important technology’s role in bringing you together.

“It lets partners discuss the mundane, which is the stuff that forges intimacy,” Tiger says. “Like bonding over the little stupid things you notice during the day that you’re not going to remember to talk about in one nightly phone call.”

I ask if this is true intimacy. Can you really get to know a person without being able to read their eyes, face and body language? More communication is buried in the non verbal than the actual words. Modern communication methods is lost because the non-verbal clues are largely missing.

Technology makes it easier to have long distance relationships but is that what we really need in this day? Increasingly more relationships that can be held at arms length? What happens when you are forced to be together every day, good moods, bad moods without being able to hide behind technology?

Tiger advises couples to warn each other when they find themselves rebelling against the technology. “The most important thing in a long-distance relationship is keeping up the constant communication,” she says. “You can go on a (tech) retreat together, but a complete blackout is not advisable.”

I got a better idea… Put the crack pipe down, get out of the house or office and spend some face time with real people. Meet a friend for coffee. Pay some bills in person. Shop in a real store where you can actually touch the objects of your desire. Do some work with a pencil and paper. Write a real letter or send a card. (When was the last time anyone sent or received a personal letter in the mail?)

Set aside at least a day a week to leave the mouse in his cage, he’ll still be there tomorrow.

I’m guilty of disappearing without notice. By the time I realize I’m in burnout mode, I can no longer make myself e-mail my friends to say I’m taking time off from the keyboard.

And from the handful of “Where are you, are you OK?” e-mails and IMs I’ve received over the past week, I can see the effects of a frequent e-communicator suddenly dropping out.

I have been prone to signing off for a few days when I get overloaded. My goal now is to balance my life so that is not an issue.

More life, less work.

What dying man will wish he would have worked more and enjoyed life less?

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