Roz Land

I am an email addict. Checking email is a way of life for me. My computer at work is set to constantly download and notify me when I have new email. My smartphone checks for email every 15 minutes and downloads it so that I can read it on the go. After arriving home in the evenings, one of the first things I do (after changing into something more comfortable) is to check email on my home computer to see what I may have missed between the car and the house. And, oh yeah—- I forgot about my laptop, which goes on the road with me and with which I work from remote locations, all the while checking my email and messages as long as I am connected to the Internet.

I’ve read the studies...that people are lonely and feel deprived of human communication, and somehow email validates them as being worthy human beings that deserve constant contact. That people addicted to email are losing touch with reality and somewhat withdrawing from civilization. I have to admit that the times when my email has been down, or I am out of connectivity range, I almost panic. I feel anxiety that I am missing something and suddenly uninformed and out of the loop. It’s such a relief when all is right with the world and my email flow is restored.

It is my opinion that people addicted to email like myself, actually tend to be more efficient and get more done than those who do not depend on the latest newsflash from the depths of the internet. (I am not talking about spending mindless hours cruising the internet here—- strictly email communications.) I don’t wait to see what comes or doesn’t come in the mail (“snail-mail”); I get email notifications that my automatic deposited check has arrived at the bank, or a credit card payment has posted, or a bill is now due—-instantly. I can immediately take care of that and it’s done.

I stay in touch with friends and colleagues and when something important comes up, I am usually one of the first to know, because my friends know about my email habits, and know that they can instantly reach me. I receive many special and sometimes, last minute, bargains and sale notices because only my favorite stores have access to my email address.

At work, we can send files, graphics, reminders, memos, and lots of other business related materials to each other, thereby keeping on top of what is going on at work, and where we are on any given project. We are not dependent on copiers that seem to continually break down, phone lines that are busy, or people disappearing for coffee breaks at a moment’s notice.

Think of all the email addicts like myself who actually arrive at work after a sometimes long commute, already up on all the work related communications, and arrives ready to tackle bigger tasks, or with a plan or problem already thought through and resolved. Give an employee a laptop, and you will get MORE work out of them at the end of the day, than someone who leaves work totally behind as they venture home without one. These technological wonders have led to quicker decisions, which bleeds over into a higher rate of efficiency in the workplace and benefits companies and employers alike.

I know all about spam, but with filters and ad blockers and firewalls, a lot of this CAN be averted elsewhere. And yes, there are times I actually do take 10 seconds to glance at the latest “forward” from my father, but more often than not, I delete, delete, delete. But what employee does not take time during the day to hang out at the water cooler to garner the latest news, or sneak down to the break room for a quick smoke, or just talk on the telephone to their best friend or mother.  I venture to suggest that scanning a quick email and hitting the delete key is MUCH faster and more efficient.

I say email is a GOOD THING; it tends to create EFFICIENCY in it's addicts, and as long as no one catches you holding a conversation with your monitor, then hey—-go for it!