Smartphone

Email is bad for you, says a US study that showed just five days away from that familiar ding in your inbox will result in a more varied heartrate. Now you might think that is an indication of stress, but according to this study, it’s actually a sign that you’re in a relaxed state of mind. 

Frankly, this is terrible news. And it’s misinformed, oversimplified and plain untrue. In fact, I completely reject this entire study on the basis of my own relationship with email - a relationship that is best described as a love affair.

Email is my favourite form of communication, second only to the text message. And the reason is simple: They both provide an excellent alternative to actually talking to people on the phone. Oh how I loathe the telephone.

Continue reading "An overflowing inbox is the least of your worries…" »

A friend of mine was forced to leave a drinks party with three friends because they spent more time scrolling through their Facebook feeds than having a proper conversation around the table. Does that ever happen to you?

Today’s dilemma: is it ever okay to ask your friend to switch off their phone while you’re getting together? And does “where” you are make a difference? For example, is it more or less offensive to check your phone around the dinner table than at a backyard BBQ?

While you’re contemplating that, check out this video from clever American blogger, Brian Perez. He’s invented the phone-stacking game. The explanation is over the jump.

Continue reading "Friday dilemma: Using your smartphone at dinner" »