We have gotten out of control as a society when it comes to connectivity — especially with the rising generation.  Kids today think they need to be connected to their friends full time.  In fact, it’s hard to get the full attention of many teenagers because they are constantly checking their texts, their MySpace/Facebook accounts, and their many other connections.

In the culture I grew up with, it was rude to have side conversations when talking to an individual.  We gave those we were with our full attention.  In contrast, it is very common for kids today to be physically present with one group and yet have 4+ conversations going on with others not with them.  They are constantly “checking out” of the current conversation to quickly respond to a text or other message.  And this isn’t seen as rude — it’s become part of the culture.  Others in the group think nothing of this constant diversion as they talk with one another.  I’ve even seen them texting members of the group who are physically with them!

Here’s another example.  Many teens have never learned to focus on a single activity like homework.  Instead, they do their homework with 1) music playing on iPods, 2) MySpace and/or Facebook open so they can constantly watch their friends’ statuses, 3) IM applications or social network sites to chat with friends, and 4) answering texts that come across their phones.  They have gained the ability to multitask, but they’ve never learned to crack down and study hard.  Some seem unable to be able to do a focused task without these distractions to keep them “interested”.

Twitter, which some call the next generation of social networking, takes these distractions to yet another level.  With Twitter, people constantly post their status and activities throughout the day.  Do we really need to broadcast our schedules and activities?  Beyond the addiction, I reject this one on a security basis alone.  Yes, I realize companies and people use Twitter for more than just posting their activities, but that’s using the network for something other than “social networking”.

I think I get social networking.  I’ve used it enough to see it for what it is.  I understand why teens use social network sites instead of email today.  It provides a much richer, immediate set of tools.  In particular, I’ve enjoyed reading well-written blog entries and finding lost friends on Facebook.  I enjoy the capabilities my cell phone gives me.  I even enjoy IM with specific working groups.

What I reject is the concept that we need this level of connectivity in every aspect of our lives.   There was a point in history when correspondence happened over weeks because we used snail mail.  Then came phones, faxes, email, cell phones, IM, and eventually the full social networks.  Our culture has increasingly learned to accept connectivity, immediacy, multitasking, and interrupted work.

I’ve finally drawn the line.  As of this week, social networking is largely blocked on my home network.  I don’t need (or want) to know your status throughout the day.  You don’t need to know mine.  And especially, my kids don’t need to be connected at the hip to their friends.  Certainly, there are exceptions where these immediate networks are useful.  But in most cases, we need to rediscover how to focus and work without constant interruption.