Disconnect

 Everywhere we turn we read about and observe a growing level of connection.  What is it we are connecting to?  Without any doubt it is data.  If, for a moment I can use a physical description to encapsulate the ephemeral data stream, then it is to be described as library piled on top of library, stretching from the back of a turtle to the, seemingly, infinite expanse of our horizon.  Well it does seem that way at times.  In connected to data are we connecting more to each other?  And at times do we need to move away from our input streams?
 
I expect we will start hearing more and more about one word: Disconnect and all its derivatives.  Why?  On a simple basic level information overload is a legitimate concern.  Sometimes we all need to step away from something in order to refresh and recharge before diving in with renewed vigor and vim.  How many times a day do you check your email?  I am willing to bet it is more often than you ever used a phone.  Especially if you have a smart phone, and as an owner of a smart phone how often do you use the phone part?  ( I expect smart phone as  a descriptor will someday be replaced with something much more accurate in what the device really is—as the phone is just simply 1 app on the device.)  Digression ignore for now, but do you take your smart phone on vacation, answer work emails, and otherwise behave as if it just another day at the office?  I expect that answer is yes for most of us.  This is why disconnect will become an increasingly important word.  So much so do you think that someday our benefits will include 2 weeks disconnection?
 
As we also use the data streams to connect to information relevant and interesting to us, do we in the process become disconnected, more so, to the data we feel not relevant?  That is are we constantly only surrounded by the daily me?  As we swim in ourselves do we lose sight of the bigger picture?  A simple case of the failing to see the forest because of a tree?, or even failing to recognize there are other trees surrounding this one?  This I expect will become a growing issue over time.  And of course the one obvious solution just feeds into overload, the way to avoid (hyper-me-ism???) this is to increase your input streams to allow for diversity to trickle in, which then of course increases the likelihood of information overload.