Comments on: Smart Phone, Dumb Life?

By: SimpleProductivityBlog.com— Open Loops 6/22/2010: Articles I Think Worth Passing Along—

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:01:37 +0000

[...] dangers of being always available is tacked at Jonathan Fields’s blog (“Smart Phone, Dumb Life?”) He’s got it pegged: we “check in…and in…and [...]

By: Cracking Finance

Cracking Finance — Wed, 19 May 2010 03:38:19 +0000

Technology has changed our life so much. Just look back few years ago and you will notice the difference.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:02:48 +0000

Very much enjoyed this post and your reply, Ami.

“we are answering our own need to feel significant” resonates deeply as I often witness folk pulling out their BBs wishing to be elsewhere, attempting escape from the moment, whilst ‘engaged’ in one on one conversation and I consider “what could be MORE important than giving that someone your undivided attention”

By: Life Without the Bells and Whistles

Life Without the Bells and Whistles — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:19:46 +0000

[...] the revolutionary – and AUDACIOUS – blog post by the brilliant Jonathan Fields titled: “Smart Phone, Dumb Life?” I simply had to try doing this after I had the following [...]

By: Russ

Russ — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:30:31 +0000

I think a lot of the expectation to be connected has to do with how we’ve “trained” our friends, family, and contacts. If you’re the type of person who always responds or answers immediately, then that becomes the norm and people expect that, and taking a step back can be difficult. But if you’ve always been the type of person who leaves the phone in the car or at home when you go out for a few hours, or only reply when you’re at your desk during certain hours, then those times when you are unreachable for a bit won’t send up any red flags. Even though it may be abnormal for some to have to wait for feedback, at least they will know that a few hours or even a day or two without a reply is still within the normal boundaries of their expectations for you. Sure, it may make you look a bit lazy, but at least you still are always meeting the expectations that people have of you, which can be just as important.

By: Adventure-Some Matthew

Adventure-Some Matthew — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:30:42 +0000

Like some of the other posters, I don’t have a fancy phone. My cell is used to make calls, see who’s calling, and listen to voice-mail. Oh, and it makes a handy alarm clock.

Not only do I not stay connected 24/7 with my phone, I don’t even answer it half of the time. Unrecognized number? Better leave a message, or it’s not important enough for me to call back. Not family? Better leave a message. Too late at night? Message required. In the middle of something? I just silence the ringer and don’t even look.

Technology is no excuse for bad manners, and a personal pet peeve is people hooked to their phones (talking or texting) during conversations, driving, ordering, checking out, or otherwise when in contact with another live human being, in-person.

By: Annie Stith (Gr8fulAnnie)

Annie Stith (Gr8fulAnnie) — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:18:05 +0000

Hey, Jonathan!

I’m fortunate, just starting out. My BlackBerry has a “bedside mode” where I’ve set it up to only allow three very close friends’ calls to come thru. No blinking LED’s, no musical tones or beeps unless it’s one of those three. Even then, I choose whether or not to answer. If I’m otherwise engaged, I simply don’t.

Others are starting out with me knowing there is no expectation of instant access, but (except fort my “sabbath” on Sundays), I usually get bsck with them in 24 hours.

I’m training them right off the bat.

Annie

By: Jennie Mustafa-Julock

Jennie Mustafa-Julock — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:30:22 +0000

While I was reading this blog post, a ding on my computer came through and I switched screens to see who emailed me. Then, upon returning to finish reading this post, I laughed at myself for a solid 5 minutes. WOW – I didn’t realize how much I’m like Pavlov’s dogs with those damn dings and beeps.

So, I’m ripping off the bandages and turning off all the alerts from my iPhone and that email ding on my computers. Time to take back the expectation of disconnection!!!

Rock on! Thanks for this awesome post!

By: soultravelers3

soultravelers3 — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:06:59 +0000

This is exactly why we do not have a smart phone, actually any phone, and have never had a “crackberry” etc.

We live an open ended world tour, ultra mobile, paperless, minimalist lifestyle, so being connected via internet is essential for us, BUT I prefer to spend the majority of my time unplugged in nature & connected to real life.

The internet is addictive with always more to do, so I’m afraid to get a hand held, because I find just having laptops ( and times we choose to be on, mostly in the evening) gives us greater freedom.

As we travel the world, I must admit, that the happiest people are NOT the most connected! I especially hate to see the young children that are encouraged in this online addiction with no restraints.

We all need very strict boundaries to use it to our advantage without burning the house down.

By: Jonathan Fields

Jonathan Fields — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:36:50 +0000

Thanks for sharing your Connectivity M.O.” Hadn’t thought about keeping it in airplane mode all day. Interesting *sound of old dude brain gears spinning*