I thought that this article had many good points, many of which hit right at home. I can relate to a lot of what it says about the constant urge, almost a little voice inside calling me, to check for a new e-mail, Facebook post or Skype message. I like how we were encouraged to read the article online, rather then in course packet, because it was funny, even though I was conscious of what I was reading, I still probably checked both my e-mail accounts 5 times each, Facebook a few times and Skype every time that little orange ball popped up. I also was distracted by the links within the article and played both focus/multi-tasking tests that it had.
I have also had the same problems that Mr. Campbell had with video games and it is definitely true that it can cause family quarrels. It is especially during a break, when I have more free time, that I find myself constantly sneaking downstairs any chance I get to play XBOX. This has often caused strife with my family, especially when I become engrossed in a game and end up spending numerous hours at a time playing without even realizing it.
As far as the focusing goes, I feel like the enormous amount of technology right at our finger tips is creating more distractions for us, but I don't think that it should take complete blame. It all depends on the person and their amount of self-control. It is clear that I use these technologies a lot and enjoy using them, but when it comes down to getting an assignment done or studying for an exam, I can control myself and stay focused on the task at hand.
Exactly, so long as you can stay focused (as hard as that may be) and get your work done there is no real threat to the "technolgy virus." I think that this article was a good test just like you said, you had e-mail and other stuff in tabs. Crazy the world we live in right?
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