The duality of digital media addiction
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 3:50PM I’m not going to have internet access in my room for the next five months. At first this irritated me, as it limited my internet browsing to perhaps one hour per day. I didn’t understand why I had to access the internet so badly though, and soon enough I started seeing this initial problem as healthy. I found it easier to get to sleep on time, I felt more relaxed (or perhaps more complacent), and I felt more connected to my surroundings. I no longer had hundreds of interesting pieces of information constantly buzzing around in my head, and I was no longer fanatically pondering the latest ideas and ventures popping up in various technology industries.
And that’s when I changed my mind once more. I don’t like the fact that my mind isn’t endlessly processing new innovations and opportunities. Being plugged in, and spending hours browsing the web or listening to the latest tech news podcasts, is what fueled my creativity and gave me my edge. I now understand that I am willing to accept the added stress of consuming copious amounts of digital media for the benefit of keeping my mind sharp and updated.
Is there a way of having the best of both worlds? You tell me.
Reader Comments (6)
Ahh... Great to see a post that isn't yet another "it was so refreshing to take a leave from technology, I will never go back!"-post. I completely agree.
Indeed, there are tradeoffs everywhere. You don't have a career until you work harder, and you don't have an edge until you completely submerge yourself into the channels of your field. I believe the only way to have the best from the two worlds is to separate them, and focus on them one at the time.
Unplug completely when on vacation, stay connected as much as you possibly can for the rest of the year.
Thank you for the reinforcing feedback! Nice to get an indication that I don't have a problem (or at least that I'm not the only one with a problem).
Nice to read some fresh words from you, a healthy read.
When I read your post this time it got my thinking about an article I am currently reading. It is called What is Strategy, my Michael Porter (I can send it to you if you like).
Anyway, what struck me is that you are actually talking about strategy, and in this case a personal strategy for you. You bring up one of the essential parts of strategies which are trade offs, you cannot be successful with you strategy without doing the necesary trade offs, in this case you get your edge from spending alot of times with those podcasts etc. with the trade off being time. Without the trade offs it would be very easy for everyone to copy your strategy and you will therefore not have an edge anymore. Hence, if you want to be unique and have a edge, accept the trade offs, because they are in a sense what makes you special.
Wow, that's a really interesting and insightful take on it. This gives me something new to ponder. Thank you!
And I'd love to get that article.
Go put your strengths together!
Marcus Buckingham has written a nice set of books emphasizing that you should focus on building on your best instead of trying to improve what is wrong. Although his latest book is targeting women, his work is really worth looking at for both men and women.
Especially if you have an interest in how to use ICT for marketing and product distribution becuse he has really made a good use if technology in addition to combining free and for sale products.
http://www.tmbc.com/
/Lena
Thanks for the link Lena! I completely agree with this philosophy. It seems much more strategic to work on becoming exceptional at some specific things, rather than aiming to be mediocre at everything.