Instant message doesn't mean instant reaction is required

In this age of instant messaging with WhatsApp, Telegram and others, it is becoming increasingly difficult to have some time off from the mobile phone and to focus on something worthwhile. The messages are constantly coming in, whether it is from your friend, family or colleague or in groups like family group, friends group or office groups. I think in totality it takes more time to convey the same amount of information through instant messaging than through a call (audio or video call). In messaging you pick up the phone, unlock it, read the message, reply to the message, keep the phone away, get back to what you were doing before, and pop comes the notification of the next message, you pick up the phone, unlock it, read the message, reply to the message, keep the phone away, get back to what you were doing before and it continues. For work that requires some amount of concentration, you can imagine, the level of distraction this can cause. 

So, what’s the solution?
  • Ignore messages till your break time, if it’s that urgent, the person on the side will call you anyway. Pick up the phone only during breaks and check the phone for messages. If there is something to reply, and if you think it will lead to messages back and forth, call up and close it.
  •  Call when there is a need to call.
  • Message only when there is a need to message. For example, if you think that the other person will be busy / sleeping and you don’t want the person to be disturbed.

Instant message doesn't mean instant reaction is required

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