Technology and isolation in the information period

Authors Details :
Sunita Singh

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Technology and Isolation in the Information Period explores the social, political, and legal implications of the group and use of personal information in computer databases. In the Information Period, our lives are documented in digital case books maintained by hundreds (perhaps thousands) of businesses and government agencies. These case books are composed of bits of our personal information, which when assembled together begin to paint a portrait of our personalities. Technology has changed our working practices and now allows us to be connected 24/7. We have the power to Skype clients around the world and email or Tweet work colleagues at weekends, but is there a danger that having connectivity so readily available hinders our efforts to gain a better work/life balance? We often read articles about the correct way to manage technology and how to achieve a happy balance of relaxing away from work and being ‘Always On’ and ‘Always available’. For instance, many people choose a job that allows them to detach from the workplace on evenings and weekends, yet technology makes it difficult for others to switch off. Now, we are huge believers in the ability to use the internet, email, Facebook, Twitter, texting and to pick up the phone and talk to people, but because of technology more people are becoming distracted and losing focus. They can’t escape from the workplace and feel that the office follows them around via their Smartphone which demands attention 24/7. It wasn’t so long ago that when we took a holiday, we would plan ahead, make sure everything was order, inform clients of our absence and brief our teams so we could disappear off to distant shores and happily sit in the sun for a relaxing fortnight, avoiding drinking the local water, eating strange local delicacies and fending of mosquitoes. But I digress … Having technology at hand means that we still have an element of control at our workplace and the ability to deal with issues if they occur. The downside to this is managing that work/life balance again. On one hand the internet is a lifeline, but it can also become a ball and chain if we don’t take the time to unplug from it. Technology allows us to be in two places at once, but when employees struggle to find the right balance between their work and personal lives there is a chance that stress levels can increase leading to a potential loss of productivity and happiness in general. In a recent survey 70% of workers said that technology brings the stress of work into their personal lives. Many Researchers have recommended drawing a line between work communications and home. This not only benefits your well being, but benefits your employer too, as you will be coming back to work refreshed and recharged.