As most of you know, I entered the world of Smartphones last November and purchased an iPhone 4. I am amazed at what my phone can do. I’m also amazed at how often I’m using it day and night.
Unlimited knowledge and connectivity are right there in my 4” by 2” phone. As Madonna slips and falls while dancing during the Super Bowl halftime, I can ask “Google voice” how old she is. While waiting for a commercial to be over, I can check email. Or see what’s happening with my Facebook friends. Or get caught up with those I’m playing Words with Friends against. Or look over my calendar for the next day. Or…(yea, I could go on a long time).
All this begs the question: When does my Smartphone turn into a Dumbphone?
Answer: when the user (me) can’t put it aside.
The problem with my Smartphone (and yours) is that it has eliminated the protective boundary between our work and home lives…or our professional and private lives. It used to be easy to distinguish work and home. When you walked away from your workplace, you left it behind.
Not anymore. Now, your work goes home with you. Now, your boss and co-workers can find you. The good news is YOU ARE ALWAYS CONNECTED. The bad news is YOU ARE ALWAYS CONNECTED.
To be honest, I’ve been pretty dumb lately. I need to learn to be a lot smarter. Otherwise, I’ll go back to being Amish.
What’s worked for you? How do you manage this tension? I’d love to hear…
Posted on
Thu, February 9, 2012
by Phil Print
filed under