We are deceived into thinking that computer-like responses are possible by the entertainment media in movies such as Iron Man. Tony Stark seems to have a mind that can multi-task as well as a computer. He can fly through the sky, while processing and choosing ten different items on his visual display. This is an impossibility, of course so is flying in a robotic suit, but for some reason that seems more likely in the future. The only way we could process information with that speed and accuracy would be to have a computer chip implanted in our brains, and I hope that is never likely.
An article in the Huffington Post by Martha Irvine, addresses this subject of technology overload.
"John Cacioppo, a University of Chicago psychologist says to develop a reputation for being responsive, but not hyper-responsive. He sets those limits himself — has given up Facebook and generally answers emails or texts from colleagues or students within half a day, if it's nothing too urgent. If you make yourself available all the time, people come to expect it even more, he says.
'And the more responsive you are, the more trivial things you get queried about.'
Leah Jones, a 35-year-old Chicagoan, says you also have to let yourself off the hook and resist the urge to constantly check in to see what friends are doing.
Social networking 'makes it seem like everybody's doing something awesome,' she says. 'But you can't always worry about what other people are doing.
You have to give yourself permission to miss out.'"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/tech-overload_n_2034875.html
Another article in the Huffington Post, by Dino Grandoni describes a segment on The Daily Show about Google Glass, you know those glasses you wear that receive all of your data from your phone right in front of your eyes. The interview was meant to be tongue and cheek, but the premise is true.
"But there's something even more annoying about Glassholes, and correspondent Jason Jones got to the heart of exactly what that is.
'Let's put aside that these glasses are just [beep] stupid,' he told a group of people wearing Glass. 'What is it about this that seems like it's too much for you?' he said while pretending to look down at his cell phone.
'The best uses of Glass today are apps where it acts as an interface between you and the real world,' one of the Glass Explorers responded.
'Do you guys hear yourselves when you talk?' Jones said. 'An interface between you and the real world? Those are called eyes.'"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/13/google-glass-daily-show_n_5491565.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
I encourage you to click on the link below or above and watch the full five minute segment. It is very interesting and also humorous.
http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/w95a3v/glass-half-empty
Don't go through life missing out on events and data that is right in front of your eyes, your own eyes, not those produced by a computer. By present in your life and find time to "power down" from the world around you.