The Lure of Data

Slashdot linked to an article at the New York Times entitled The Lure of Data: Is It Addictive? The basic gist is this: some people become addicted to information, getting a rush from multitasking and being connected. In other words: it's me, and it's why I feel compelled to catch up on web comics while a pot of water comes to a boil in the kitchen.

I've been an information hog for some time now. It's why I am drawn to databases and web interfaces: I love to sift through data, to comb it and organize it and always have it right at my fingertips. The people in the article have a "pseudo-ADD," and have trouble focusing on projects for long periods of time. They will browse the web and check their e-mail during presentations, insisting that such activities boost their productivity when the opposite is really the case.

Thankfully, I'm not as bad as the people mentioned by the New York Times, but I confess I've read eBooks in the men's room more than once. My personal projects don't hold my interest for long, with newer, fresher ideas taking hold. I have a slightly better track record than those mentioned in the article; I usually work at a project for at least a few days to a week before moving on to something else.

It helps that I keep myself disconnected much of the time. My Palm does not have wireless Internet, and I do not own any other sort of mobile device. It's a bit of a forced state of unconnectedness, but perhaps I should try to keep it that way.

Gotta go, an e-mail just came in.