Teresa Shuff Trujillo wrote on 09/23/09 7:24 PM

Paul, your comments go towards keeping an eye on the prize.

What have become daily distractions (phone and e-mail) contain a false sense of high priority through the almost Pavlovian response to the ever present "beep."

The "beeps" have also become an area of contention in our personal lives. My family, friends and clients are more important than any amount of beeping. I have gotten in the habit of turning off electronic deliver devices during family time and at client meetings--because the most important message is the one being delivered face-to-face.

Best Wishes,
Teresa Shuff Trujillo
Kinkoid Emeritus

Julia Belaya wrote on 09/26/09 5:58 AM

Dear Paul,

It was not until I went on a two week vacation to Costa Rica where I had no access to my Blackberry that I realized how dependent on the little device I had become. There was never a time that I wasn't 100% reachable through either text, email or call. However, during my last vacation I turned it off and enjoyed 2 weeks of solitude where I would talk to people face to face, and when I needed to reach someone, I'd go over and knock on their hotel door instead of texting them.

Without the phone constantly on me, distracting me with emails and text messages, I found myself paying a lot more attention to the real-life conversations I was having as well as paying a lot more attention to my surroundings. Instead of texting away when my friend would leave me alone at the table, I looked around, people watched, and just took in the atmosphere.

Now that I'm back home, with my beloved blackberry, I still leave it at home sometimes when I go out, and every time I do it feels like a mini-vacation.

Cheers,
Julia

Lizzie Devcich wrote on 09/28/09 1:31 AM

Mr. Orfalea,

I found everything you had to say so spot on.
I noticed a funny thing working at Glam media this summer. Each time someone was pinged they immediately opened their emails and responded. But at 3:00, we rang a bell and few even responded.

Funny how humans have this Pavlovian instinct and have even learned how to control it. Wouldn't it be interesting to watch our class and see if students respond to every buzz of their cell phone.

All the best
-Lizzie

Lindsey Franz wrote on 09/28/09 4:14 AM

It's crazy to think how many opportunities are out there in the world that we are completely unaware of. Especially as college students in the 21st century, we are programmed to be always busy with school, work, and extracurriculars. We have a set schedule, and hastily work from one task to the next. Our computers and cell phones are literally with us at all hours of the day, and when we are bored they are the first things we reach for as a mean of entertainment and mindless activity. I've begun to realize that when I'm in "school-mode" I forget to take the time to observe the world around me. I forget about the problems and the questions that surround my everyday life, yet if I took more time to observe them, I'm sure the solutions would be clear in my mind.

Melissa Mallett wrote on 09/28/09 5:08 AM

I feel that sometimes people see opportunities, but fail to act upon because they think they are too busy or do not want to make the effort. As I realized in class, many people could think of great ideas for opportunity in business, but few were willing to take the risk to do anything about it. If people were as responsive to new ideas as they are to the beep of their cell phone, it would be amazing to see what could be accomplished.

Robert Boggs wrote on 09/28/09 6:19 AM

Dear Mr. Orfalea,   

Not only have many people become dependent on constant emails and facebook updates but the internet creates a false sense of security in posting personal information. People put information openly on the internet that they would only tell close confidants in real life. Part of the addiction to the internet seems to be this wall of protection to say whatever come to mind. The internet makes people comfortable enough to share these intimate details without seeing how their decision will affect their job or personal lives.

Robert

Devon Mailhot wrote on 09/28/09 6:26 AM

Cell phones have become a real distraction from everyday life keeping us from noticing what is going on in the world around us, and as a result have become an obstacle in our lives that keep us from seeing opportunities that come our way. However, I don’t think that we should just try to overcome this cell phone addiction by turning them off. I found it interesting that you mentioned that many people get their news through their cell phones. This makes me think that cell phones and other devices do not have to be an obstacle that blocks our ability to see opportunity. Instead, we could use them as a tool that can help us seek opportunity. After all, we are able to keep up to beat with the world faster through the use of our phones than if we were to put them down and wait for the paper. I think this is one way that we can seek opportunity and achieve success; by using whatever stands in our way to help launch us further along our path than if we were to just try to get around it.

Brandon Fisher wrote on 09/28/09 7:59 PM

Addiction is commonplace in the college environment. As you said in your blog, some more serious that Coffee and the Internet. However, I would classify myself as having an addition to the infamous "blackberry." Since purchasing this handy device, I have become utterly dependent on it. Whether I am receiving and responding to emails, chatting with friends, or just browsing the internet, I find myself utilizing the different functions for the majority of the day. However, I feel as though this exists in the workplace as well. After a very intense summer internship, I participated in many meetings in which professionals from the levels of associate to senior partner were focusing on their blackberry over the presentation. Maybe the presentation was not engaging, but I sense an addiction to the blackberry/ iphone exists in our society, especially in the business field. I don't know how this will ever end, but I know that after a long Europe vacation I have done my best to limit my blackberry use.... for now.
Thanks,
Brandon Fisher

Darcy Pollock wrote on 09/28/09 10:45 PM

Dear Mr. Orfalea,

I also think the addiction to cell phones, computers, and the internet ties into the idea of "busy-ness", as was discussed last week. I, as I suspect many people do, find my mind wandering at many points during the day when it should be focused on something more important - the news, my teacher, homework, a conversation, and so forth. This idleness of the mind leads to the tendency to "busy" oneself. I find myself checking my iPhone, facebook, and e-mail more out of a sheer habit to make myself busy rather than out of genuine interest in the content of whatever I may be checking. Most of the time, once I catch myself typing in the ever familiar "www.facebook.com"; into my web browser I realize that the status updates of my 500 or so friends aren't really important and I don't really care that much about them. Despite having realized this, why do I find myself following this routine multiple times each day? In an attempt to make myself busy. I believe addiction to the internet and addiction to the notion of being busy may be one and the same.

Regards,
Darcy Pollock

Kami Tolar wrote on 09/29/09 5:44 AM

Dear Mr. Orfalea,

After reading your blog I began to think about many of the ways that the "beep" takes precedent in my day to day activities. I tend to get quite excited when my phone makes the jingle indicating that I have a text or an e-mail, but after thinking about it I realize I am connected to my phone or my computer for a very significant portion of the day.

It is encouraging to hear you discuss this technology addiction as an opportunity. I think many times when a problem arises I get frustrated about it, as opposed to seeing it as an opportunity to come up with a creative solution. Thank you for your thoughtful words.

Best,
Kami Tolar

Lauren Wagner wrote on 09/29/09 5:47 AM

First, you wrote about one of my biggest pet peeves, which is when you are having a conversation with someone who is talking with someone else via their cell phone at the same time. Although all this new technology enables us to be better connected to more people, I find it dimishes the experience of face-to-face interaction.

I would have never thought there'd be a need for an actual rehab center when it comes to Internet addiction. Sure, people have serious problems with it, but I sure wouldn't have seen a business opportunity in that.

Annie Busch wrote on 09/29/09 6:43 AM

Paul-
This is all so true! After we discussed opportunities in class on Tuesday, I tried to be more observant and noticed there is needs that could be met everywhere. I thought of a new one: Cook about one hundred hot dogs and go downtown to the bars and sell them for three dollars a dog on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. I'm seriously considering doing this. I've discovered I need to get a food vendor license first.

Secondly, I think all people fall into the trap of 'Oh I'll do that later.' I even catch myself doing it sometimes. I think procrastination is a huge reason why people don't take advantage of opportunities when they come knocking. I've realized life is too short for the could of, would of, and should of's and the time is now.
-Annie Busch

Christopher Lantz wrote on 09/29/09 5:45 PM

The pros and cons of the information revolution are astounding and ubiquitous. From rehab centers to direct relief emergency aid groups, the responses to the relentless beeps of society can either enhance our world/local community or diminish the cohesive human nature. Paul, you have taken the optimistic angle; enabling yourself to be rewarded by a goal oriented, advantageous approach that begins with a simple question. Whether you inquire upon the legitimacy of the article or event, or if your query entertains possible solutions, alternatives, or facilitates increased awareness of the media, you have transcended mediocrity. News can either be a source of day to day conversation or can initiate personal action. You decide.
At the beginning of this month, I had plans of driving from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas and back on a surf/dive/cultural experience. The days prior to the departure a level 4 hurricane was beginning to brew of the tip of Cabo's coastline. Against the advice of every family member and friend, we departed a day behind schedule. We spent the extra day collecting clothes and care package goods to fill every space not taken by camping gear. After enduring some rough conditions and navigating alternate, dry routes...our arrival could not have been better timed. Trash bags full of clothes may not be much to provide to the devastated corners of the Baja Peninsula, but turning frowns upside down is sure a nice feeling.
please be active.

Will Chandler wrote on 10/05/09 4:15 AM

Dear Paul,

I myself am a victim of text/email addiction. I have an Apple iPhone, which gives me the ability to check my texts and emails at the touch of a button. I am often typing away on my phone throughout the day, and sometimes even find myself doing it during class. After reading this article, it has brought to my attention the addiction I have to my cell phone. It really annoys people, especially my mother, when I receive texts or emails and I stop everything I am doing to respond to them. I know that I am not the only one out there who suffers from this addiction, and I will stay conscious of my actions and try to help myself break this habit.

Nicole Fletcher wrote on 10/05/09 5:49 AM

While I see it as both an advantage & a burden, my personal ambivalence towards technology comes from what I see to be a incongruity between the outcomes expected to stem from technology’s use and its actual functioning in our world. There exists this irony of being so closely interconnected yet completely alienated by our hyper-communication.

Critics of technology are accused of being ungrateful for the conveniences that it affords them. I’m trying to be conscious of this---to give credit where it is due. I fully realize that my life would not be what it is without modern conveniences, yet I’m bothered to be a part of a society that causes someone to feel incapacitated or disadvantaged without a cell-phone glued to their person. In a sense, it is assumed that you should be reachable <i>all of the time</i>. The expectation to immediately respond to these beeps and vibrations emanating from our pockets & purses seem to sap the humanity from the human experience.

Will you be ready when opportunity beeps? Or should you even be waiting for it? What I’m getting at is---are beeps what we <i>should</i>be paying attention to? In your seminar, you advise that reflection and self-awareness are the keys unlocking the door to understanding the bigger picture. It seems to me that perhaps it would sometimes be better for us to be more open to the opportunities that arise out of natural happenstance or personally taken initiative, rather than answering to the call of our electronics.

Katharine Brown wrote on 10/05/09 9:04 AM

I frequently talk with my mom on the phone-giving her updates on what's going on with school, some of the things I've been up to with my friends, what I'm thinking of doing later in the week, etc. And she never fails to correlate the things in my life to what she's been reading in the newspaper. On one occassion I was telling her about my recent discovery of a full-service car wash right near my house, which I was excited about because I wouldn't have to pay $20 for someone else to do it! In response she said, "you better be careful Katharine. I just read in the newspaper about some girl who was killed and buried in the wall of a university lab."
What?
I asked, "Mom, how does this relate to me using the car wash?"
"You never know Katharine...there are a lot of creeps out there. Anyone could be hanging around those car washes. And this woman was killed in a high-security university lab!"
I bring up this story because although the news is a useful source for opportunity, it could also create a lot of unnecessary precautions. As with news sources and the use of modern technology, everything should be exercised in moderation. Learn to limit the use of your electronic devices so as not to have some small gadget control your life, just as my mom should learn to limit her obsession with articles about crime....

Dave Carlsen wrote on 10/06/09 9:40 PM

I find the idea of internet addiction very intriguing and possibly a future issue. I don't consider myself a high user but sometimes I find myself on facebook without making a conscious decision to visit the page. As much as the internet has expanded people's ability to communicate, I wonder if it actually hinders our relationships. For example, in my family, emails have started to take the place of phone calls when the message is short. Although it is more efficient and each family member can view and respond at their own convenience, does it weaken family ties? Although a phone calls take more time, it also gives an opportunity to talk about more than the subject at hand.

As far as a business opportunity goes, someone could design a software that syncs family calendars to find available times to talk or take vacations. The software could also remind you of birthdays or occasions so you don't miss a call. It could also feature a ticker that shows how much and how often you have contacted family members.

Denise Bono wrote on 10/26/09 4:34 PM

I must admit that I need to stay connected to others and what's going on in the world using technology, but I am in no way addicted to it. I have yet to join the masses touting an iphone and twitter is still a foreign world to me. But after reading this blog, it is clear that not being addicted to technology may put me at a disadvantage. To see a trend in the market and realize new opportunities, one must immerse themselves in the culture they are trying to understand. If the rest of the world is completely dependent on these methods of quick communication, how will I be able to identify the wants and needs of this addicted culture? Our society is now centered around technology addicts, with every company using new marketing strategies to try to get their attention online. By not taking part in this lifestyle, I am missing many opportunities to launch new ventures geared toward these consumers. I need to start seeing the world like a technology addict so I will have an advantage in discovering opportunities. I will make sure my parents know that an iphone for Christmas will greatly improve my chances for a successful career. That sounds like a convincing reason to me..