The following is a refreshed version of the December 24, 2011 blog, Unplug
for the Holidays? No Way!
I asked folks on my social networks if they will be “unplugging” for the holidays. For those of you who aren’t “plugged in” to online geek lingo, “unplugged” means disconnecting from the internet – from computers, tablets, iPads, and smartphones.
Last year, my audience responded that they were not unplugging – in fact, most said, “No way.” This year, many are staying connected – not necessarily because they have to, but because they find enjoyment in using social media or checking in with family or friends via email. They are simply disconnecting from the ‘work’ side of things.
While it’s true that we have integrated technology into our daily lives – creating little separation between digital and physical space – that doesn’t mean we should feel obligated to be working 24/7, especially those of us in technology or social media fields.
It appears that we are going back to the reason we fell for social media in the first place – for community and conversation – not just for business purposes.
Could this mean we’ve mastered the interconnectedness of the web and found a way to create balance in our lives?