Extended Hyperconnectivity

Our lives, feelings and experiences are becoming more frequently articulated online. Hence, I believe that the way we are forming these articulations is no longer for ourselves, but for our peers and network. Does this, or will this, change the way we process feelings?

I believe users enter phases and thought processes when experiencing and articulating these happenings and emotions, online.

1. Obligatory
   Put simply, this is “Oh I guess I should update my status now that I’m using this Facebook thing” e.g. John is now on FaceSpace, John is trying this Twitter thing.
2. Convenient
   “Well I’m getting use to updating Facebook and or Twitter and I’m checking it now, should probably post” e.g. John is at the office, John is happy it’s Friday, John is looking forward to seeing his girlfriend tonight.
3. Routine Updates
   Every morning to you login to Facebook and Twitter just like you would login in to your email and make a quick post about what the day might entail. e.g. “John has another day full of meetings, John really enjoyed gold today”

By this stage, the user is generally more reactive than proactive. From here, the user may become a heavy proactive user delving deeper with input, or simply plateau.  It’s a common plateau due to time, perceived value and expression.  But what is important to remember is that even at this stage, the user is probably reflecting and expressing him or herself to a greater level than before by using these technologies as a social platform.

So then you meet 4 – hyperconnectivity.

This is where someone like me has their social (Mobile (SMS), Facebook, MySpace, Gmail, Forums, RSS reader, IM) compounded with work (Twitter, LinkedIn, Email, RSS Reader, IM) as well as recreation (Sonixtrip, Crossfit etc) — all of these accessible, integrated and functional through my mobile – my portal to the connected world.

After being a heavy user for some time, I often find myself feeling fatigued to some degree. But more so, I find myself suddenly feeling and experiencing things from the third person – I, as an individual, no longer take in and internalise my experiences.  But rather, I publish them in my mind from the view of the others

This is because I went from routine updates and entries to being compelled to update.

Is this is a bad thing?

Probably. Because it may mean I’m not letting these experiences shape me, as I’m keeping them at an objective distance. But are we not solely shaped by those around us? To understand our identity, must it not be defined by those around us?

Recently, during my change of roles, I took a week and disconnected from my key social networks, left only with email and IM for work. What I discovered was that for the first few days the compulsion was still there, but as it dissipated I found myself enjoying things for me again, and me alone.

What do you think? Are you hyperconnected for extended periods of time? How do you deal?