February 8, 2008
Ex-Microsoft researcher Linda Stone has a gift for pinpointing the maladies of the information age. A few years ago, she coined the memorable term "continuous partial attention." Now she's back with another nifty neologism: "E-mail Apnea," which she defines as "a temporary absence or suspension of breathing, or shallow breathing, while doing email."
I observed others on computers and Blackberries: in their offices, their homes, at cafes -- the vast majority of people held their breath, or breathed very shallowly, especially when responding to email. I watched people on cell phones, talking and walking, and noticed that most were mouth-breathing and hyperventilating. Consider also, that for many, posture while seated at a computer can contribute to restricted breathing.
This seems like one of those discoveries that was hiding in plain sight. Thinking about it, there's no question that I do indeed tend to hold my breath while reading my e-mail. What are the possible side effects? Susceptibility to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, tumors (!), effects on learning, memory, sleeping and depression. Whew. Deep breath.
> Linda Stone,
Just Breathe: Building the case for Email Apnea
(via
Caterina)
File under: Ephemera
_____________________
« Rewinding IBM.com
|
Analog infographics
»
