The Communication Obligation Of Instant Connection
Hey Instant Jessies
What do you do when you receive a notification while you’re working or having downtime, maybe watching a movie or reading a book? Do you feel obligated to reply? I don't! I can ignore my phone for hours even days on end. If it were really important people would call.
My behaviour doesn't sit well with many people who think that the fact that they have my contact details means I am obligated to respond immediately to anything they have to say. Let's be honest, how often are any of our text conversations more meaningful than wasting time? Very few I would imagine.
More speed, more haste, even more, waste!
As the pace of our world picks up, an increasing number of things are becoming instant. We can buy with one click and contact anyone from anywhere at any time so where do we draw the line?
This instant access is great, but it brings challenges.
For many people, a notification or new message dictates a need to immediately respond. The internet cultures can inadvertently create an expectation of an immediate response. If you don't you're selfish and it's always the receivers fault.
I don't understand why I am obligated to respond to every brain fart you have or request?
Image source: - dmnews.com
Mental conditioning
We've become conditioned to share, conditioned to engage and obligated to respond. We keep conversations going longer than they are productive and we use it all to keep ourselves distracted.
We don't think of taking time out for ourselves, focusing uninterruptedly on a task, meditating, thinking, reading and all the things your brain actually needs.
It reduces our level of concentration and the ability to deeply focus and also takes away from our personal space. Technology is great, but just like money and other man-made devices, it can quickly make you the slave if checks and balances are not put into place.
Less screen time, more me-time
We often speak about "me" time but how often do we actually spend with ourselves? How well do you know yourself? I don't think many even do, nor stop to ask that question. It's all a game of constant distraction and reaction.
If you give away your mental capacity and attention cheaply then don't expect anyone to value it. If you focus your time on cheap thrills don't expect to find any meaning in your pursuits.
If you are constantly giving, eventually you will have nothing left. Save some for yourself! Say no once in a while, let them wait, let them continue their communication circle jerks and opt-out.
You'll be surprised at how much better off you are without having to constantly engage.
Let's connect
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You’re a jerk ! Is a text I will generally finally respond to... just to say, thanks I will consider your opinion...
Idagf about social obligations, in person or online lol.. I often tell people I’m not bothered by having any future chit chats with to page me.. The befuddled look on their faces is priceless ! “Are you on Facebook”? No, but you can page me anytime bwhaha...
Granted I haven’t made many(any) new friends in years but again, I’m just fine with the circle of idiots that are still alive and know me, getting added to that list is not an easy task..
I have this theory that being yourself creates a filter that people who value it will be willing to put up with because they see the value in you
So far it seems to be working for me lol!
I’ll properly reply to this when I feel like it 😂
Oh hell, I feel like it now, I like your theory and surmise you’re postulation has credence.
It’s also been working well for me !
Posted using Partiko iOS
I also ignore most of the notifications I get. If I didn't, I'd go berserk trying to answer it all. 😁
Lol I can imagine I feel the same way! Most of it is useless information or attention seeking anyway
Enjoy your me time, if you ever spawn some minions that goes away completely lol.
I was going to wait to respond to this post for days but I would forget for sure lol. There’s too much instant gratification in the world. Some people shoot me messages and stuff but I forget to respond or don’t respond for a few days and they get pissed. Same thing tho, if it was important they would call!
Lol I would imagine minions make your time preferences change and make it even more precious!
I think that we are still coming to terms with having all this access and should learn to set rules around it! I see too many kids getting holds of screens and access to the internet when their minds are not ready for all this stimulation, adult minds aren’t even ready to process it so setting boundaries is a priority
I often take hours or a day to reply to messages unless it is something urgent that should be dealt with in a timely manner.
Posted using Partiko Android
That’s how it should be, we shouldn’t be a slave to a device or be on others beckoned call!
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