Category: Social Networking

When is the Internet a useful tool, and when is it a distraction?

07-May-10 17:24

Hiding under the masses of election coverage, this story on the BBC caught my eye this morning, looking at how the Internet and e-mails are distracting us from our everyday tasks. Whilst I agree that e-mails are sometimes a distraction (I have, on more than one occasion, been distracted by an un-urgent email from a client or a journalist which has thrown me off of my current task), I have learnt that the trick is to make lists! If I set myself tasks for the day then no amount of emails entering my inbox will stop me from getting to the end of my list!

Damon Young's article also explores the psychological impact that the Internet and social networking is having on us. He explains, "Unfortunately these diversions are less rewarding than they appear...rather than cultivating our faculties, these distractions can weaken them, leaving us unproductive, muddled or fettered. They are truly distractions...they wrench us from what's best in ourselves."

It is true that as a society, we are spending increasing amounts of time online, whether that is for work or pleasure, and while sometimes I find that I have spent an hour on Twitter or Facebook...whether I would say this time is wasted or not is another thing. I am a big fan of Twitter, Facebook and all things social and I believe that it serves its purpose in connecting people. Twitter, for example, is a great way of building relationships with journalists and in some cases, this has replaced email and other forms of communication.

Social networking constantly receives a fair amount of criticism but I think this is because it is an easy target. Yes, it is never going to replace face to face contact, but it serves its purpose and as long as it is used in the correct way and in sensible doses, it will remain a powerful tool both for work and pleasure.

Louise