Geekularity

I’m usually not one to self-diagnose my own problems, of which I’m sure there are many, but in the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered if I have ADD, ADHD, or a similar mental concern. Since the time I left college and entered the real world I’ve realized that I often spend more time at my computer finding a distraction than I do working on the task I originally sat down at my computer to accomplish. In a nutshell, I can categorize all of my procrastination/distraction techniques into three categories: 1) Cleaning, a compulsion that my wife seems to love about me, 2) Watching TV or movies, or 3) Wasting hours in front of my computer.

I’d say 90% of my unproductive time falls into the third category. What can I say, I love the computer… it’s so warm and glowy… it has that quiet little hum that lulls me to it… it contains a nearly infinite supply of crap for me to read, watch, listen to, and sometimes even smell (note: small insects and your CPU cooling fan do not mix well!). It seems like a vicious circle: I use the computer to learn more and do more, yet the more I use it, the more I feel like I get less done!

Fortunately I now know that I’m not alone! According to a terrific New York Times article by Katie Hafner entitled: “You There, at the Computer: Pay Attention” published on February 10^th, this phenomenon is quite well known, and there are already many people studying the problem of diminished attention and trying to come up with solutions. Thank goodness!

Meanwhile, knowing that I’m not alone, that there’s a name for this phenomenon (pseudo-ADD according to the article), and that I can take measurable steps to recognize and avoid the pitfalls, I’m feeling a lot better about a career path where I must spend countless hours staring at the glowing abyss of distraction. So, from now on, if you find my instant messenger is turned off, and I’m not responding to your email within 30 seconds, it’s probably because I’m trying to get something done, and I’ve put some virtual blinders on!