Sometimes when I walk my dog he decides he's had enough and just plops down on the grass, seemingly too tired to go on. But, should he notice a squirrel scampering for a tree, he'll be up in a flash and pulling me in that direction. His brain has told his body that there's food out there and it's time to get it.

 

Apparently we aren't that much different. I heard an interview with a scientist looking at how technology affects our behavior. It appears that we get a similar rush of dopamine when our cell phone alerts us to a call or message. And, like a drug addict, we can become dependent on getting those little "fixes". You might think you are unaffected, but did you check your cell phone yesterday when it hadn't rung for a period of time or make one last check of email before going to bed?

 

The research also seems to indicate that our brains can adapt to these new distractions. I know in my teenage daughter's case that she can watch a video on the computer while listening to music and texting and, she claims, doing her homework. Her brain has adapted to this increased stimulation. The challenge comes when none of that is happening. She complains of boredom - the modern equivalent of electronic withdrawal.

 

By recognizing what is happening you can use your body's natural responses to your advantage. You'll get the same rush even if you don't answer the call or look at the email. If you retrieve your email manually instead of automatically, you can decide when you want that stimulation. It's really about who's in control. Is it you or is it them? You can choose.

 

Don't be driven by your distractions!

 

If social media websites are a part of your networking strategy - and they probably should be - remember that you should always try to add something of value to the interaction. It's similar to face-to-face conversations but in the electronic world what you say is likely to remain visible forever. Make sure it's something you you will be happy reading 5 years from now.