How we utilise technology has altered our interactions with the world and one another. Due to the internet's rapid pace, we now anticipate instant gratification and have little patience for anything that does not suit our expectations immediately. This has led to mental health issues and problems in our relationships and professional lives.
Technology can be a great asset, but it can also be a major distraction. By being aware of the issue and taking steps to limit distractions, you can help yourself stay focused and productive. Here are five ways that technology is contributing to increasingly impatient individuals and how we can tackle these issues :
| 1. We expect things to happen immediately |
With technology, we can get what we want, when we want it. We can order a product and have it delivered to our door the next day and so on. This has made us expect things to happen immediately and usually leads to frustration and impatience when things don't happen as quickly as we want them to.
There are a few things we can do to manage our expectations when it comes to technology. First, we can try to be patient. Things may not happen as quickly as we want them to, but if we're patient, we may eventually get what we want. Second, we can try to be understanding. Technology isn't perfect, and there will be times when it doesn't work the way we want it to. If we're understanding, we can give it a little grace and not get too angry about it. Finally, we can try to be proactive. If we know there's a possibility that something might not happen as quickly as we want it to, we can plan ahead and have a backup plan. That way, if our first plan doesn't work out, we're not left feeling frustrated.
| 2. We have trouble focusing on one thing at a time |
With so much stimulation in our emails, it's no wonder we have trouble focusing on one thing at a time. We're constantly bombarded with notifications, new emails, and other distractions that pull our attention away from what we're supposed to be doing. When we can't focus on one thing, we're not able to give it our full attention. This can lead to subpar work and mistakes.
There are a few things you can do to help you focus in spite of the technology around you. First, try to limit the number of devices you have on and are active at one time. If you can, put your phone on silent or do not disturb mode so you're not constantly tempted to check it. Secondly, try to create a designated space for work or study where you can minimize distractions. Finally, try to take breaks and give yourself time to relax so you can come back to your task refreshed and ready to focus.
| 3. We're always reachable |
Thanks to technology, we're always reachable. Our loved ones can always get in touch with us, no matter where we are or what we're doing. While this is a good thing in many ways, it can also lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. We may feel like we're always on call and never able to truly relax.
There are a few things you can do to manage your availability and make sure you're not overwhelmed by technology. For example, you can set boundaries with the people you're connected to. Let them know when you're available and when you're not, and stick to those boundaries. Technology is here to stay, so it's important to learn how to manage it in a way that works for you.
| 4. We compare ourselves to others |
Social media has made it easy to compare ourselves to others. We can see what everyone else is doing and how they're ‘’living their lives’’. This can lead to feelings of envy, insecurity, and inadequacy.
When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we're not able to appreciate our own lives and accomplishments. However, it's important to remember that the images that people post online are often carefully curated and don't represent reality. Everyone has their own struggles and imperfections, even if they don't share them publicly. If you find yourself comparing yourself to others, try to focus on your own accomplishments and positive attributes. Remind yourself that you are unique and special and that there is no one else quite like you. Accepting yourself for who you are is the first step to happiness.
| 5. We're disconnected from the present moment |
One of the great challenges of our time is that we are increasingly disconnected from the present moment. We are bombarded with information and distractions from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. Our attention is constantly being pulled away from what we are doing, and we are struggling to stay present.
The good news is that there are things we can do to counter this trend. We can start by being more mindful of our surroundings and of the moment we are in. We can put away our phones and devices, and take the time to connect with the people and the world around us. We can savour the simple pleasures of life, and find ways to connect with nature. By making a conscious effort to stay present, we can counter the effects of technology and reconnect with ourselves and others.
