Written by: Justin Daniel Lawlor

As hard as it is to admit, in the past couple of months I have grown increasing resentful toward technology.  And I know, that’s a bold statement.  I feel somewhat like an out of touch parent or a stubborn elderly folk who claims technology is simply a fad for the younger, more hip crowd.

But the truth remains- something has caused for my tipping point.  Perhaps it is my current exposure to GB 203 and its futile information systems acronyms (ERP or SCM, anyone?)  Or maybe it was watching the SET surveys move to a strictly online format.  I, for one, tended to enjoy the idea of taking a 15 minute break from class time and watching the reversal of roles as my professors silently hoped for my mercy.

But most likely, the tipping point was approached sometime back in March, during the quiet and relaxing week of Spring break.  While last year I spent each day hitting the beach and sipping cocktails, this break I found myself being dominated by technology.  Each day I would wake up, eat breakfast, and begin my tried and true routine of checking emails, writing and sending responses, and checking in with my Facebook, Google Reader account, the dozen or so blogs that I follow, and the handful of news and finance sites that I like to check in on.  I may then take a break, accomplish whatever I wanted to get done in that day, and then resume my position in front of my laptop.  I even took on the hobby of maintaining my own website.  Hopping on my laptop became the solution to everything.  Boredom? Check Facebook.  Tired? Read about the markets.  Drank too much? Seek cure for hangovers.

It reaches the point of obsession, addiction, and dependence.  While at Bentley, on a given weekday I may check my email 25 times.  Sometimes it’s a quick peek, other times a written response is required.  At 5 minutes per check, let’s call it the consumption of two hours per day.  Or we could call it 14 hours per week, or a month out of each year solely dedicated to Outlook upkeep.  Factor in Facebook, Twitter, and boredom browsing, and you can see where I’m going with this.

We live in a society that inarguably loves the idea of “more.”  Quality has long taken a backseat to the desire for quantity.  In fact, it doesn’t really matter what type of “more” we’re in search of; whether it’s a goal you’ve set for your number of Facebook friends, or how many BBMs can be sent in a single day.  The result is an overloaded individual who is driven to be in constant connect and perpetual update mode.  And regardless of what any research or scientific breakthrough unveils, I refuse to believe that instant messaging or writing on someone’s wall can compensate for the shortage of physical interaction that characterizes our isolationist sense of community.

And yes, I will concede to the thought that someone could have written a strikingly similar article praising technology for its reliability, ability to connect individuals from across the world, and promotion of innovation and creativity in the modern era.  And it’s true that the core purpose of technology was and remains to assist and improve our day to day routines.  But again, we must be extremely cautious to not let information overload impede our progress and productivity.  And while it may be quite convenient to get a weather update before heading into the city, monitoring 150 Twitter feeds can just as easily become another housekeeping chore.

I’m comfortable with the technological balance I have learned to establish.  I always try to limit my time in front of the glowing LCDs and I’ve even held off on purchasing a Blackberry for as long as possible.  After all, any device that warrants the nickname “Crackberry” should be illegal in my hands.  And while I may not know the closing bid and ask for all 30 Dow stocks, or be able to recite what Ashton Kutcher ate for lunch, I’m quite content with having the free time for other pursuits.