Monday, April 25, 2005
Infomania
A British study for Hewlett Packard claims to show that "workers distracted by phone calls, e-mail and text messages suffer a greater loss of IQ than a person smoking marijuana." The study, found that excessive use of technology reduced workers' intelligence. Further, it warned of a rise in "infomania" -- people becoming addicted to e-mail and text messages. The BBC News article goes on to say that:
The HP UK press release is more detailed but doesn't shed much light on the study. It also includes this odd claim:
I think the overall message is fine: avoid distractions. Distractions are bad. Don't poll your email too frequently. Don't feel compelled to respond to email or text messages immediately. Don't use your laptop or PDA during face-to-face meetings. But calling distractions from email "Infomania" just sounds like so much psycho-babble.
How exactly do they determine IQ numbers under these circumstances?Those distracted by incoming e-mail and phone calls saw a 10-point fall in their IQ -- more than twice that found in studies of the impact of smoking marijuana, said researchers.
The HP UK press release is more detailed but doesn't shed much light on the study. It also includes this odd claim:
Hmm, 89% + 30% = 119%. Is this Psychology math? Or is this just badly worded? Are they trying to say that when colleagues act this way then it's rude but it's okay when I do it?In addition to the impact on workers’ performance, Info-Mania in meetings also has a negative effect on colleagues and the work environment, increasing stress and negative feelings. 89% of workers think that colleagues who answer emails or messages in a face to face meeting are extremely rude. This activity can also be extremely distracting. Yet, 30% of people believe it is not only acceptable but actually diligent and efficient to do so.
I think the overall message is fine: avoid distractions. Distractions are bad. Don't poll your email too frequently. Don't feel compelled to respond to email or text messages immediately. Don't use your laptop or PDA during face-to-face meetings. But calling distractions from email "Infomania" just sounds like so much psycho-babble.
RSS 0.92 Feed