Informed decisions are good decisions. I’m pretty sure we’d all agree with that statement. But when it comes to what we read and hear—especially online—it’s easy to make quick conclusions that are anything but informed. The problem is compounded because of how quickly all the information comes at us. We’re bombarded. We hear breaking news, … Continue reading Informed decisions are good decisions
social media
Feeding the envy beast
We’ve been thinking about invisible robbers who steal your contentment. Yesterday, I highlighted some studies about social media use and how it can bring down your mood. Unfortunately, by constantly seeing what people post, we can fall into a trap of perpetual comparison and envy. As a result, it can drag us down. Because of … Continue reading Feeding the envy beast
Social media torture = less contentment
We’ve been thinking about invisible robbers who steal your contentment. And more specifically, one who tries to convince you to put too much stock in (a) comparing yourself to others (in person or online), and (b) the judgments and criticisms of others. It’s definitely a big topic. Alain de Bottom wrote a book about “Status … Continue reading Social media torture = less contentment
Constant comparisons and negative criticisms
Lately I’ve been thinking about invisible robbers who steal your contentment. The latest one tries to convince you to put too much stock in (a) comparing yourself to others (in person or online), and (b) the judgments and criticisms of others. Is it just me, or did hundreds of you just nod your heads in … Continue reading Constant comparisons and negative criticisms
J.O.M.O.
Have you heard of JOMO? It stands for the “joy of missing out.” At first it seems like a strange statement. After all, isn’t “missing out” a bad thing? Sure. Sometimes. But missing out can bring you joy when you need a break, rest, and some space from the endless online chatter, high-drama relationships, or … Continue reading J.O.M.O.
Online disrespect and technotrauma
More and more people are using the internet to communicate. It makes sense. After all, it’s quick and easy to send someone an email, text or direct message. But I think there’s a growing problem. It’s that people write things that are disrespectful. Why? First, let’s be honest. We humans are deeply flawed. Second, instant … Continue reading Online disrespect and technotrauma
Nomophobia and a technosabbath
According to Psychology Today there’s something called “nomophobia.” It’s “the fear of being without a mobile device, or beyond mobile phone contact.” I read about one study that said more people are even taking their smart phones with them into the shower. Maybe that’s you. Maybe it’s not. Either way, more and more of us are … Continue reading Nomophobia and a technosabbath
Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
More and more of us are spending time on social media. And before you think I’m anti-social media, I’m not. I just think we should be realistic about the role it plays it our lives—both positive and negative. One of the negative things is that it can depress us. I’ve read about a few studies … Continue reading Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
A rest… from screens
Writer Lettie Cowman tells about a traveler who visited Africa and used a group of guides and carriers to carry their supplies as they hiked and explored. On the first day she was impressed because they went a huge distance. But the next day the carriers refused to move. The leader said that on the … Continue reading A rest… from screens
Continuous partial attention
We live in the information age. And there are some positive things about that. But there are some negative things too. Linda Stone, a former senior executive with Apple, coined the phrase “continuous partial attention.” She writes that we’re “much more motivated by not wanting to miss anything… we want to be part of this … Continue reading Continuous partial attention
