Just had a great meeting with a leader and business man whom I hold in high regard.
Our conversation covered many areas but this one caused me great amusement. I share it with his permission! Though I am ‘concealing his identity to protect the innocent’ as the saying goes
We got on to the subject of teenagers who are permanently on their mobile phone regardless of where they are or what they are doing – eating, sleeping, having a day out, having a conversation with you … I could go on! But actually it isn’t just teenagers – the older generation(s) are equally guilty.
In my mindfulness workshops, and indeed when I am coaching, I warn people of the dangers of spending too much time on social media or glued to their tablets and phones. I am a huge advocate for appropriate use but, having been guilty in the past, of constantly being on my phone or iPad I learned to my cost and am now cured, well partially!!! Not only is it a time stealer it also robs you of being present and living in the moment. We are not meant to be constantly contactable via phone, messenger, email, text or any other means. When you are with someone be with them, when you are driving drive. Constant multi tasking of this sort is a serious health hazard. It steals your joy and your ability to complete tasks effectively not to mention the effect it has on your relationships. And you miss out on living life!
So, back to my meet … I said to him “There’s an acronym for people who are always checking their social media – I just can’t think of it.” With rapier sharp wit he said “I can, it’s ‘S.H.I.T.E – ‘single-handed information technology extremism'” when I later relayed this tale to my teenage daughters, sufferers of this condition, I was reminded the term is ‘F.O.M.O – fear of missing out’ forgive me though for preferring my friend’s rather more visual and, I think, accurate one.