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October 17, 2014
Q. In this highly computerized world, if there's a word for what we're all going through, what might it be? And what are a few other terms that might go along with it?
A. Make that “hyperconnected,” as in computers, computers, computers, online, online, online, Internet, Internet, Internet, says Paul McFedries in IEEE Spectrum magazine. While technology facilitates connection to people far away, it can simultaneously disconnect us from those who may be directly in front of us. You can call this our “have-device-will-travel lifestyles,” or “ubiquitous information creating ubiquitous distraction,” with “ambient connectivity” becoming “compulsive connectivity.” Now we may need to do some “digital detoxification,” or search out a few “Walden zones” — rooms without computers or Internet connections. And as “distraction addicts,” we could use a few “distraction blinders” or “attention shields” to block or limit Internet access or online traffic.
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