Communication has changed immensely since I began my professional practice back in 1984. At that time, phone messages were written on small pink sheets of paper. Written communications came by U.S. mail or, in cases of extreme urgency, were hand-delivered. For the most part, telephone calls were made or came in between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It was a major innovation when businesses started to have fax machines.
Now, communication is constant and instantaneous. One gets phone calls to confirm that one got the text confirming that an email had been received confirming that a fax had arrived. Emails and texts come in at all hours seven days a week. There is the always present smart phone with (in the case of mine) its dings and blinking blue light.
Now, communication is constant and instantaneous. One gets phone calls to confirm that one got the text confirming that an email had been received confirming that a fax had arrived. Emails and texts come in at all hours seven days a week. There is the always present smart phone with (in the case of mine) its dings and blinking blue light.
Maybe I am just old, but I am not at all certain this is a good thing. Instant communication often means less well thought out communication. A text or email comes in that you disagree with or that makes you angry; you immediately fire back. The other party responds. Soon the communication becomes more about who can get to their mobile device more quickly rather than an exchange of information or ideas.
There is then the increased stress level generated by the barrage of communications. A text came in to me; I must respond right away or feel guilty. I am on vacation and receive a telephone call; again instant attention is needed. It gets to the point that one can not relax, read a book, enjoy a park or anything else without constant intrusions. This can not truly be a healthy way to live.
I hear the response now...but this enables people to stay in contact and connected; that's a good thing. I don't disagree, but there is a flip side. What about the situation where you have three or four people sitting in a room together and all of them are looking at their smart phones or iPads or something of that sort rather than communicating with one another. Again, not a healthy situation.
I have a few suggestions as to how to combat these problems. I suggest that we each need to commit to at least a few hours a day or a week when we don't go on social media; we don't answer the cell phone; we don't text. We can spend that time absorbed in the people and things around us or giving thoughtful consideration to how to address whatever issues we may need to handle. Let's spend some time thinking and reflecting before we text, email or call. Let's not feel we must immediately text, email or call simply because we thought of something at 4:00 a.m. and have our electronic device handy. Take the time to think through the idea first. Let's try it; I bet we will find more civilized communication and less stress. Wouldn't that be nice?
Now, I must go...I have texts which need to be sent RIGHT NOW!
There is then the increased stress level generated by the barrage of communications. A text came in to me; I must respond right away or feel guilty. I am on vacation and receive a telephone call; again instant attention is needed. It gets to the point that one can not relax, read a book, enjoy a park or anything else without constant intrusions. This can not truly be a healthy way to live.
I hear the response now...but this enables people to stay in contact and connected; that's a good thing. I don't disagree, but there is a flip side. What about the situation where you have three or four people sitting in a room together and all of them are looking at their smart phones or iPads or something of that sort rather than communicating with one another. Again, not a healthy situation.
I have a few suggestions as to how to combat these problems. I suggest that we each need to commit to at least a few hours a day or a week when we don't go on social media; we don't answer the cell phone; we don't text. We can spend that time absorbed in the people and things around us or giving thoughtful consideration to how to address whatever issues we may need to handle. Let's spend some time thinking and reflecting before we text, email or call. Let's not feel we must immediately text, email or call simply because we thought of something at 4:00 a.m. and have our electronic device handy. Take the time to think through the idea first. Let's try it; I bet we will find more civilized communication and less stress. Wouldn't that be nice?
Now, I must go...I have texts which need to be sent RIGHT NOW!
 written by Elise Balgley Attorney at Bernard, Balgley & Bonaccorsi LLP Law Offices Elise is the President of the Business for Good Government Political Action Committee Learn more about Elise here. |
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