If technology is as good as I think, then why am I always so tired?
The problem isn’t lack of sleep. It’s lack of dreams.
I’ve become so efficient, I no longer have time to daydream.
There’s a recurring myth that technology can create happiness, reduce stress and produce more free time. And while that’s theoretically possible, it’s practically improbable. The more efficient and productive we are…the more we accomplish…the more we expect–of ourselves and everyone else.
When a new product or service cuts 45 minutes off the time to complete a task, we don’t enjoy a nap. Instead, we cram an extra assignment into the day.
Rather than save time, we increase our responsibilities…and the technology that was supposed to make us work faster and more efficiently ends up only making us only work more.
No wonder we’re tired.
There’s always something to do, even when I’m relaxing. With my laptop in hand and cell phone at my side, I’m forever connected to all the tasks I’d like, at least for a moment, to forget. Thanks to on-demand services and my DVR, I feel guilty if I even miss a TV show. I’m continually time shifting, filling every minute with something to do…staying busy all the time.
I once listened to random streams of music on a crackly radio, my focus drifting in and out like the FM signal itself as favorite songs ebbed and flowed. But now I pop in my iPod, and pay attention to song after song. Every song is on on my playlist. There’s none I dislike, so there’s no down time…no time for my mind to wander. And if, on some rare occasion, it does trail off course, it’s doesn’t go far.
I’ll start to wonder about a lyric or its meaning. But before I get lost in reverie, I’ll jump on-line to search for the “real” answer. There’s no need to dream when I can just get the facts.
I’d like to add up all the time I allegedly save from the use of technology for a few hours one day, perhaps between 6 am and noon. Then I’d like to lop the same amount of time off the end of my work day.
Rather than do more, I want to do less.
Read a book, visit a museum, savor a slow-cooked meal, lose myself in my collection of Steely Dan songs.
Then technology would live up to its potential. It would create satisfaction instead of expectations.
It’s possible, you know. We just have to wake up…and start dreaming.
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