The price of always-on

Technology has today changed this, however, as it has created the new expectation of always being reachable. While the potential of constant access has indeed brought numerous advantages, from more rapid communication and greater work flexibility to always being just the click away from the information you need, it has also brought a price, which is not always recognized. We are increasingly being expected to react as quickly as possible to emails, notifications, and messages, whatever the time or context. All of this is changing the ways we engage in our lives in subtle but powerful ways.

A notification in the evening might interrupt a nice dinner. A message received at night might keep you thinking. You may be right in front of us, but your brain is still busy thinking about things that require your attention. Researchers in psychology are already examining how the effects of constant accessibility could negatively impact on people’s mental and physical health. According to their studies, the inability to disconnect mentally from work or social commitments could lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. Just as muscles require recovery time following exercise, so does the brain. If that recovery time is not provided, then the brain is likely to become fatigued over time. One of the problems associated with the current situation is that it creates a self-imposed obligation.

Many individuals check their phones not because they have to, but rather because they want to make sure they do not miss anything. A phone call or email that goes unanswered for an hour may lead to some unease, though it might be unnecessary in many situations. Our brains become trained to stay alert as a result, and the longer we continue this, the more difficult it will become for us to switch off completely. The problem is not just limited to business, however. Social networks have created an expectation of availability.

We are aware of who is online, and whether messages have been received or even read, or how long it takes for a reply to arrive. Therefore, communication is no longer limited to the provision of information alone, as it has been linked to social expectations and perceived availability. In order to regain control, there may be certain adjustments you can make in your own use of modern technology to restore the balance.

It is possible for an individual to achieve this goal by turning off non-essential messages or notifications on the phone, scheduling time to leave the phone at home, or simply refusing to immediately answer every message. What is more, it is important to keep in mind that, every now and then, it is perfectly normal and acceptable to be unreachable. The ability to say you are busy and therefore cannot be available to everyone at all times is an essential requirement for good mental health.

There is increasing awareness, in today’s world of continuous interaction, of the importance of being able to unplug. In this age, learning to turn off one’s attention for the moment can be an extremely important skill. We must understand that it does not take being connected all the time to get things done and maintain relationships, but rather being completely involved when it really counts.