Email Makes You Stupid

There was an interesting tidbit on page 38 of the October 2005 issue of Fast Company.  My comments follow in parentheses:

If you're spending more than five minutes on an email, make it a phone call.  Then follow up with a tactical email.  (Nothing beats a human touch and email doesn't qualify.)

A recent study shows that constantly checking email, voice mail, and so on temporarily lowers your IQ more than smoking marijuana does.  "Email makes you dumb," says Alan L. Nelson, a partner in the communication strategy consultancy CRA Inc.  (What recent study?  Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if this is true.  However, I would argue that most of us constantly check voice mail and email to (1) make us appear busier (and more important) than we are, and (2) as a procrastination device.  Turn off the automatic email reminder and check voice mail only twice a day at pre-determined times.)

If you want to be productive, it helps to eliminate constant distractions. (Duh!)

Bottom line: use your time wisely and don't be seduced by the technology surrounding you that is there to supposedly make your life simpler and more productive.  And while you're at it, turn off the TV and laptop at night and read a book.  You'll be a much more interesting person.