Comments on: 59 percent of Canadians experience ‘disconnection anxiety’ http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:35:22 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Phil http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13063 Phil Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:28:14 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13063 <p>The critical flaw is that they failed to distinguish between cell phones and internet. Consequently, the % they report, that is, % of people with “disconnection anxiety”, concerns both cell phones and internet, and there is no way of knowing what is specific to the net. Yet their report mostly talks about internet, which is misleading. That they blurred the cell phone data and the internet data together was intentionally camouflaged (implicitly mentioned once, still unclear and consequently is highly suspicious…they probably had very little internet specific “disconnection anxiety” and had to pool their data together with cell phones to get a large % effect to make the headlines. <br /> The second problem is that they do not compare their measure of disconnection anxiety, which concerns cell phones and internet, with other types of disconnection anxiety, say home phones, TV, newspapers, etc. which would also cause anxiety in a lot of people, especially the elderly who, in their study, did not experience much disconnection anxiety (did they check to make sure they had cell phones at all?).Without a comparison, their data is difficult to make sense of. <br /> This is a study made to get free publicity. If something is not published in a peer-reviewed journal, it usually ends up being a study like this one, which not only fails to report basic elements on which the validity of a study can be evaluated (e.g., what questions they asked, what is their measure of disconnection anxiety) but report findings (e.g., generation specific types of anxiety)without any data what so ever, and even shows evidence that the data was presented in a misleading manner. Cheers!<br /> </p> The critical flaw is that they failed to distinguish between cell phones and internet. Consequently, the % they report, that is, % of people with “disconnection anxiety”, concerns both cell phones and internet, and there is no way of knowing what is specific to the net. Yet their report mostly talks about internet, which is misleading. That they blurred the cell phone data and the internet data together was intentionally camouflaged (implicitly mentioned once, still unclear and consequently is highly suspicious…they probably had very little internet specific “disconnection anxiety” and had to pool their data together with cell phones to get a large % effect to make the headlines.
The second problem is that they do not compare their measure of disconnection anxiety, which concerns cell phones and internet, with other types of disconnection anxiety, say home phones, TV, newspapers, etc. which would also cause anxiety in a lot of people, especially the elderly who, in their study, did not experience much disconnection anxiety (did they check to make sure they had cell phones at all?).Without a comparison, their data is difficult to make sense of.
This is a study made to get free publicity. If something is not published in a peer-reviewed journal, it usually ends up being a study like this one, which not only fails to report basic elements on which the validity of a study can be evaluated (e.g., what questions they asked, what is their measure of disconnection anxiety) but report findings (e.g., generation specific types of anxiety)without any data what so ever, and even shows evidence that the data was presented in a misleading manner. Cheers!

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]]> By: Burdado http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13062 Burdado Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:55:45 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13062 <p>I have read all ur comments on being addicted to internet or celfone. I might say i'm addicted too but i don't panic if ever my pc didn't work for a few days or weeks i tried to get busy on something else. I own a celfone but i didn't hardly used it, i was stuck on 3 yrs plan which is a stupid idea that i never realise at the first place. But i guess i can't get away with this anymore i have to keep it until the years plan ends. But for the people who enjoy chatting nor watching utubes and something else. There's a lot of things to do on computer especially if your on the internet. Technology now can change lives on some people, especially on young people. I will be more high end technologies will be coming, we can't stop it, it keeps coming.</p> I have read all ur comments on being addicted to internet or celfone. I might say i'm addicted too but i don't panic if ever my pc didn't work for a few days or weeks i tried to get busy on something else. I own a celfone but i didn't hardly used it, i was stuck on 3 yrs plan which is a stupid idea that i never realise at the first place. But i guess i can't get away with this anymore i have to keep it until the years plan ends. But for the people who enjoy chatting nor watching utubes and something else. There's a lot of things to do on computer especially if your on the internet. Technology now can change lives on some people, especially on young people. I will be more high end technologies will be coming, we can't stop it, it keeps coming.

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]]> By: Myriam http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13061 Myriam Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:34:22 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13061 <p>The internet is a wondrous thing which I adore, and I do feel greatly saddened without it. Time in a home without electronics is not an "unexpected vacation", as Stacey said (though I don't necessarily disagree with all she did say and she put it pretty well.) For me it's a tedium compared with sitting in school at the end of a class with a "break" and not having a book or someone to talk to. A five hour "break"? I'm going to sleep, damn it. I can't live through that. -_- It's not necessarily days I need it-I just love it. For me, it is distressing in a more "addicted" sense, like with substances. Plus, I've got an online bf, so... :P (and his laptop's broken for days now, so god knows how HE feels about it.)</p> The internet is a wondrous thing which I adore, and I do feel greatly saddened without it. Time in a home without electronics is not an "unexpected vacation", as Stacey said (though I don't necessarily disagree with all she did say and she put it pretty well.) For me it's a tedium compared with sitting in school at the end of a class with a "break" and not having a book or someone to talk to. A five hour "break"? I'm going to sleep, damn it. I can't live through that. -_- It's not necessarily days I need it-I just love it. For me, it is distressing in a more "addicted" sense, like with substances. Plus, I've got an online bf, so… :P (and his laptop's broken for days now, so god knows how HE feels about it.)

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]]> By: pinkzodiac http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13060 pinkzodiac Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:32:55 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13060 <p>"JAMES D",well well well,do you ever sound Mixed-up!!hahaha!!!Well since you got rid of your computer(8 months ago)why are "adding" you're "I don't own a cell phone or comp b.s"? Actually owning both are useful you moron! let me say how self-indulgent you are,sounds to me you got booted out a few chat-rooms!!based on your PATHETIC dumb comment!!!</p> "JAMES D",well well well,do you ever sound Mixed-up!!hahaha!!!Well since you got rid of your computer(8 months ago)why are "adding" you're "I don't own a cell phone or comp b.s"? Actually owning both are useful you moron! let me say how self-indulgent you are,sounds to me you got booted out a few chat-rooms!!based on your PATHETIC dumb comment!!!

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]]> By: James D. http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13059 James D. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:31:14 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13059 <p>It feels so good not owning a cell phone or computer, compared to all of you suckers stuck in the rat race of life, I have it easy. It's true you are all pathetic if you experience anxiety over being temporarily disconnected. Now I do not mean to judge I applaud and implore people who use the tech of today to advance themselves their lives or livelihoods, however most people don’t they use today’s tech to take a picture then look at it for 5 minutes until they delete it and are on to the next one. Or answer their phone in the theatre distracting everyone around them both audibly and visually. Again these people are not bad people, just stupid ones. So in conclusion grow up people I have never owned a cell phone and I got rid of my computer 8 months ago and I never have a problem getting a hold of anybody and nobody has ever had a problem getting in touch with me.</p> It feels so good not owning a cell phone or computer, compared to all of you suckers stuck in the rat race of life, I have it easy. It's true you are all pathetic if you experience anxiety over being temporarily disconnected. Now I do not mean to judge I applaud and implore people who use the tech of today to advance themselves their lives or livelihoods, however most people don’t they use today’s tech to take a picture then look at it for 5 minutes until they delete it and are on to the next one. Or answer their phone in the theatre distracting everyone around them both audibly and visually. Again these people are not bad people, just stupid ones. So in conclusion grow up people I have never owned a cell phone and I got rid of my computer 8 months ago and I never have a problem getting a hold of anybody and nobody has ever had a problem getting in touch with me.

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]]> By: Chris http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13058 Chris Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:35:06 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13058 <p>I will be honest here and say that people need to start differentiating between missing something and an addiction.</p> <p>If all you had was a rock to hit a nail with... you'd miss your hammer. You aren't addicted to your hammer, but rather, quite aware at how much faster it would do the job, and have developed a preference.</p> <p>The net is the same. You aren't cut off from what it has to offer when you don't have it. All of that good stuff can be garnered from elsewhere. The only difference is the tools used to get it are much much slower. </p> <p>The only other place anxiety can come from online is if you have obligations that can't be met without having internet. </p> <p>Unfinished business anywhere can cause stress... it isn't isolated to the internet or blackberry's. Most people get upset when they lose their phone too... but there isn't any 'telephoners anonymous'.</p> I will be honest here and say that people need to start differentiating between missing something and an addiction.

If all you had was a rock to hit a nail with… you'd miss your hammer. You aren't addicted to your hammer, but rather, quite aware at how much faster it would do the job, and have developed a preference.

The net is the same. You aren't cut off from what it has to offer when you don't have it. All of that good stuff can be garnered from elsewhere. The only difference is the tools used to get it are much much slower.

The only other place anxiety can come from online is if you have obligations that can't be met without having internet.

Unfinished business anywhere can cause stress… it isn't isolated to the internet or blackberry's. Most people get upset when they lose their phone too… but there isn't any 'telephoners anonymous'.

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]]> By: Katrina http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13057 Katrina Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:18:09 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13057 <p>This is true. I'm addicted to my laptop and the internet that it's scary. They need to establish rehabs for people like me :S</p> This is true. I'm addicted to my laptop and the internet that it's scary. They need to establish rehabs for people like me :S

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]]> By: Stacey http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13056 Stacey Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:56:13 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13056 <p>As someone who works in a computer service store, I think their findings are a bit off. I would put the number of axious to be disconnected closer to 80% based on what we see, hear and experience everday with our customers, and the ones who walk in off the street who forgot their laptop batteries at work and need a spare for the weekends at home or cottage. And let's not forget those who want us to fix their cellphones and blackberries and get miffed when we can't because we service computers not phones. We have a typical 1-2 day turnaround service timeframe, and you would think I was asking for their first born when I tell them they can't just dump their pc here, wait five mintues and have all kinds of work done while they wait. The typical response we get is, "But I can't go without my computer!!! I work from home/I telecommute/I travel all day long!!!" </p> <p>People, calm down. The world isn't going to end because your pc is in the shop for a day or so, and the clients will understand if you have to chat with them in email from the public library. Get over it, relax, and enjoy the unexpected day off. Sheesh!</p> <p>BTW, I talk from experience. I worked as a freelancer for a long time in various fields, and one day I got a great job where I didn't need to be plugged in, and Fido cut my SIM card off from lack of use. That was almost four years ago. I still have the phone, but it's never been reactivated. And you know what? My blood pressure dropped dramatically. My doctor was shocked. I wasn't.</p> As someone who works in a computer service store, I think their findings are a bit off. I would put the number of axious to be disconnected closer to 80% based on what we see, hear and experience everday with our customers, and the ones who walk in off the street who forgot their laptop batteries at work and need a spare for the weekends at home or cottage. And let's not forget those who want us to fix their cellphones and blackberries and get miffed when we can't because we service computers not phones. We have a typical 1-2 day turnaround service timeframe, and you would think I was asking for their first born when I tell them they can't just dump their pc here, wait five mintues and have all kinds of work done while they wait. The typical response we get is, "But I can't go without my computer!!! I work from home/I telecommute/I travel all day long!!!"

People, calm down. The world isn't going to end because your pc is in the shop for a day or so, and the clients will understand if you have to chat with them in email from the public library. Get over it, relax, and enjoy the unexpected day off. Sheesh!

BTW, I talk from experience. I worked as a freelancer for a long time in various fields, and one day I got a great job where I didn't need to be plugged in, and Fido cut my SIM card off from lack of use. That was almost four years ago. I still have the phone, but it's never been reactivated. And you know what? My blood pressure dropped dramatically. My doctor was shocked. I wasn't.

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]]> By: Ariel http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13055 Ariel Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:07:19 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13055 <p>I use the internet for new cooking ideas or decorating the house or the odd chatting. But I'm a bussy beaver a girl on the go. I usually leave my cell at home when I'm home from work or school and out with my daughter. being diconected isnt a big deal I'll just go for a little outing, dust the house, a good run , play barbies with my kido or whatever elles I do. </p> I use the internet for new cooking ideas or decorating the house or the odd chatting. But I'm a bussy beaver a girl on the go. I usually leave my cell at home when I'm home from work or school and out with my daughter. being diconected isnt a big deal I'll just go for a little outing, dust the house, a good run , play barbies with my kido or whatever elles I do.

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]]> By: waterlover http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html/comment-page-1#comment-13054 waterlover Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:51:42 +0000 http://sync.ymbn.net/sync/2008/03/59-percent-of-c.html#comment-13054 <p>I wake and check my e-mails, before I leave the house I check them again, as soon as I get home, before dinner and before bed. I am soooo addicted to the computer its scary. </p> I wake and check my e-mails, before I leave the house I check them again, as soon as I get home, before dinner and before bed. I am soooo addicted to the computer its scary.

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