By silicon.com, 1 December 2003 15:55
Over the years we've seen a number of surveys and read countless reports into the effects which IT can have on our lives. Opinions are divided on whether IT is a benefit to us or whether it has actually forever ruined our otherwise ordered existence.
But surely all this speculation is pointless. Firstly, and most importantly it's not like were going to change. It's almost like one of those could Tyson beat Ali conversations. Well of course he could now. It wouldn't be pretty, or last very long - but there's no other way of comparing.
You think you're job is stressful working with technology. You try it without. The demands of many jobs have now grown to such elevated levels because technology has taken them there. In the same way modern training methods have made boxers harder, faster and mightier. To drop back a few decades would instantly expose horrendously ineffective flaws.
Email is the one technology which comes in for the most stick - take for example suggestions that sending, receiving and waiting for emails has created a workforce of neurotics. So what do we do, ditch it? Well no, because apparently not having email is more stressful than divorce. So the debate rages on.
We're not about to ditch email and go back to posting things. Such an ineffective step would be fatal to many businesses - some quite close to home - which rely on emails as a major part of the business model.
The problem lies with 'operator error' and public perception.
Paper is stressful if you're prone to paper cuts (...and more so if you favour salt and vinegar crisps....ouch!).
Having to get up out of your seat to go and get files off somebody round the other side of your office is stressful if you've got arthritic knees (...or just can't be bothered to get off your backside).
Being locked out of your network is stressful if you've forgotten your password, as is being locked out of your office if you've forgotten your front door key.
Waiting for an important email is stressful. But waiting for the same message to arrive by post during a wildcat strike by Royal Mail is far more stressful.
The simple truth is we all like a good whinge and technology is as good a target as any. (Apart from possibly the railways and 'the kids today').
In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.
Log in or create your silicon.com account below