What does the Web have to do with Success in Balance?
Why are people saying no? Some worry, after hearing about online scams and digital viruses, that the Net isn’t safe. Others swear that, for all the brouhaha about the Net’s ability to enhance communication, e-mail and instant-message chats break down social interaction. But the broader issue is that — despite innovations that make it possible for people to call up their bank accounts with a few clicks of the mouse, watch the latest episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on a PC, and play online games against competitors in Korea, France, and South Africa — the Internet remains too complicated and costly for a huge swath of American society. Doreen Pappas, a 39-year-old who works in the finance industry in New York City, isn’t willing to go through the headache of picking out a computer, having it delivered, and setting up an online connection. “It’s a hassle and it’s expensive,” Pappas says. “I would rather spend the money on fun things.”
I came across this article in Business Week and decided to post it to my other blog, Digital Stakeholders, but as I thought about it some more, I realized it really belongs here. Sure the article identifies some technology barriers, but many people are realizing that technology can impact the balance they have in life. Boy do I respect these people. Years ago I thought they were just ludites, but they got something I missed. While they were enjoying time with people they loved, I was busy checking e-mail.
How many people do you know that can not go away for a weekend without checking their e-mail? Or take it one step further, how many go on vacation and leave their cellphone at home? Are we really that important? Do people really “need” to get ahold of us that bad?
For me it has come down to just saying no. I have to realize that it is an addiction. But not a simple addiction with one dimension, but several. There is the need to “be part of the group”, I would hate to find out that I missed something. To “be needed”, it is nice when I am needed and can help people. To “make everyone happy”, I mean what if they had to wait until Monday for an answer? So for me I just have to say no to technology at times and yes to more important thing, like my wife, my kids, my sanity….what about you? What do you need to say no too? Better yet, what do you need to say Yes too? Remember, it is not really success unless it is in balance!
