Family WhatsApp group hyperactive? Here’s how to cope
Times of India 17.02.2019
Research shows people do 40% less work when they are constantly checking social media notifications on their smartphone. They are also more anxious, as they worry about missing messages.
While you might not want to turn off notifications for work groups, the family is a different matter. Yet, people feel obliged to prioritise messages from relatives. “The distraction is now coupled with a feeling of obligation. There’s pressure to get back to a family member and this can weigh on you while you’re trying to accomplish other tasks,” says an article in Aeon.
While you endure the barrage of texts for the sake of maintaining relationships, you actually start resenting the people who don’t seem to rest their typing fingers.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is probably time to set social media boundaries, says the article. You don’t have to lash out or be rude, but you have a right to assert yourself. Without sounding hostile, tell them gently to stop texting you. “That means being straightforward and firm. ‘Please text me only for true emergencies’”
If that sounds too radical, at least explain to them that you cannot keep up with the pressure, and would be able to respond maybe once a day, or twice a week, or whatever other frequency suits you.
For more: Aeon
SET A BOUNDARY: The pressure to respond to family members can stress you. Tell them not to expect an immediate response
Times of India 17.02.2019
Research shows people do 40% less work when they are constantly checking social media notifications on their smartphone. They are also more anxious, as they worry about missing messages.
While you might not want to turn off notifications for work groups, the family is a different matter. Yet, people feel obliged to prioritise messages from relatives. “The distraction is now coupled with a feeling of obligation. There’s pressure to get back to a family member and this can weigh on you while you’re trying to accomplish other tasks,” says an article in Aeon.
While you endure the barrage of texts for the sake of maintaining relationships, you actually start resenting the people who don’t seem to rest their typing fingers.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is probably time to set social media boundaries, says the article. You don’t have to lash out or be rude, but you have a right to assert yourself. Without sounding hostile, tell them gently to stop texting you. “That means being straightforward and firm. ‘Please text me only for true emergencies’”
If that sounds too radical, at least explain to them that you cannot keep up with the pressure, and would be able to respond maybe once a day, or twice a week, or whatever other frequency suits you.
For more: Aeon
SET A BOUNDARY: The pressure to respond to family members can stress you. Tell them not to expect an immediate response
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