The Effects of Constant Connectivity

Do you remember a time when you took your dog for a walk without texting, or watched a game with your friends without checking your email? It was called downtime and it was healthy for you. In this age of connectivity it appears as though that may be a thing of the past. These days having our devices with us at all times is not rare, but is it healthy?

Our gadgets have obviously made our lives simpler. We can get directions at the touch of a button. Find the closest restaurant in minutes and Google the answer to a question with ease and speed.

However, all this connectivity does come with a price. We rarely have time to be alone with our thoughts. Some social experts have wondered if our constant connectivity and the increased pressure to always be working—or playing—will cause the end of deep, philosophical thinking among humans.

That is a huge question, so we won’t get into it here. And there is simpler, yet important question, which arises from all this. Is being constantly connected a healthy thing? When is it time to take a break and just unplug?

Always being connected takes its toll, whether it’s for work or for play. The human body needs time to rest, and not just when it’s asleep. If you find that you struggle with being away from your phone, or have anxiety about not checking your mail, it could be time to switch off your devices.

If you find, too, that your constant connectivity is hurting your relationships with friends, family members, or your spouse, it’s time to switch off the computer and put smartphone on silent. It can be all too easy to plug in and turn off. After all, making real human conversation is a more challenging task than surfing the Web or updating your Facebook page.

If you find that you’re rarely without an electronic gadget in your hand, consider unplugging, at least for a short while. You might find that working less makes you more effective and less stressed.