Devices are everywhere. We’re all connected every second of the day. I’ve accepted that and I’m alright with a connected lifestyle. But just because we can be on our devices 24/7 doesn’t mean we need to be. There’s a new buzzword being thrown around for those that choose to be inconsiderate with their devices:
Techhole
It’s snappy. I like it.
Or if you are a Google Glasses owner and choose to use that every waking hour of the day, you are probably a:
Glasshole
This came to mind recently when I went out to dinner with some friends and found nearly half the restaurant staring at their devices while their significant other sat directly across from them staring into space. So here’s a few tips to help you avoid ever becoming a techhole:
Disable sound effects
What’s one of the most common distractions in meetings, restaurants, and lectures? That little swoosh sound every few minutes. Each time the phone’s sound effects ring out, every eye in the room is drawn to it. The person speaking loses their train of thought. Don’t just silence your phone. Turn off sound effects all together.
Learn to listen and focus
Human interaction can be beautiful and stimulating. Interacting with a computer just doesn’t compare to a great conversation with someone you are really connected with. The art of conversation is being lost because people are disengaging. But people skills are one of the most important things that determines your success in life. When someone is sitting across from you, focus on them. Listen to what they’re saying. React to the conversation, be funny, be interesting, make a connection.
Social media continues even if you’re not there
Unlike the question of a tree falling in the forest, your profile is still heard when you’re not online. Facebook’s servers actually continue running even when you are not logged in. If you find you are so connected to social media that you are actually becoming anti-social, dial it back. You can get through an hour long lunch meeting without checking your status updates.
Hands-free in the car means just that
Does your state have a hands-free law for driving with a mobile phone? Do you just want to keep both hands more free so you can react? I’m shocked at how many times I see someone using their hands-free phone by instead of putting it to their ear, they just hold it and talk into the mic using the speaker phone. Hands-free actually means that your hands are free.
If you’re losing your grip on reality, come back to the human race. We will welcome you. Don’t be a techhole.
I loved reading this. I had never heard of those hilarious new names. We all know these people. If we’re honest with ourselves we’ve all been that person! Hopefully we felt bad about it and stopped! I know I really value people who can focus on who’s right there with them rather than making me feel like the grass is greener for them in cyberspace.
That said, you may find this interesting. I talked with a girl the other day who finds is irritating when people don’t text back immediately, which implies needing to always look at one’s phone. She said it was extremely rude. She also said it was disconcerting to have someone focus only on her. It made her uncomfortable. Fascinating, huh?
I fear we may be heading for a day when not being a “tech-hole” is actually considered discourteous. Texting is a way of life for many people. Yikes.