Hiding Behind Email
May 7, 2010 by Kathy McManus
The Wall Street Journal’s litany of a “growing email backlash” might make you pause before hitting “send” next time.
Columnist Sue Shellenbarger reports that a California software CEO banned his 1,000 employees from using in-house email for a week, in an effort to get them “authentically addressing issues amongst each other.” The boss, Lars Dalgaard, “objects to email partly because people use it to avoid talking with others.” So far, Shellenbarger writes, “the edict is working. People are grabbing their phones or walking to each other’s desks to talk.”
“In related research,” Shellenbarger says, “email may make users feel less responsible for telling the truth.” According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, a recent study found “that people are more willing to lie when communicating via email than with pen and paper, and feel more justified doing so.”
Shellenbarger, whose Journal beat is work and family, admits to having “a little email backlash of my own.” A previously “heavy user,” she now believes that, “Increasingly an email seems to have less emotional significance” than a phone call or an iChat. “Readers,” she asked, “how well does email work for you in communicating in depth with someone? How much do you rely on it at work?”
Find More ///
- in Science & Technology, Workplace
- in Blog
- about email, communication, California
Related ///
Dancing For a Chance
Internationally known dancer Alvaro Restrepo returned to his native Colombia to help slum-dwelling children discover their potential and change their lives.
Europe Deems 2014 the Year Against Food Waste
Should we take waste stats more seriously?
RP Roundtable: Celebrity Worship
Four moms discuss our obsession with celebrities. How much is too much?
A Champion for Homeless Pets
The founder of The Best Friends Animal Society explains the origins of the “no kill movement” and his continued efforts to help homeless animals.
TED Talk: Gary Lauder
The venture capitalist’s brilliant idea for reducing traffic accidents: a new sign.
Is Yoga Bad for You?
A new debate has taken hold over yoga’s health benefits, or lack thereof.
26 Comments
What do you think? Leave a comment
May 15, 2010 by junior
hi am deaf si
Reply
May 23, 2010 by carol gilpin
If you are deaf I think the computer would be very good for you. Spend time talking on it and enjoy yourself on the computer you are like everyone else so enjoy and be happy,you deserve it.
Reply
May 27, 2010 by Bowen
i agree
July 29, 2010 by Lord Aquila
Please scan your picture and email it to me. Remain Bless!
May 27, 2010 by Bowen
that is cool so is my frind
Reply
May 15, 2010 by falonne
i want create my email my email on hotmail,i need help.
Reply
May 16, 2010 by Debby Klaus
thanks clean-up you do for myself an others.
Reply
May 19, 2010 by Norma Jean Sovereign
I agree 110% also to add with the fast pace the world has come too, work, family and even single people that don't go to bars the internet is a great way to communicate, even in long distance family and friends.
Reply
May 23, 2010 by Emma Stottlemyer
This is cool! I get every thing I want.
Reply
May 26, 2010 by Catherine Ewart
I think the Internet is wonderful. You have a world of knowledge at your fingertips,
Reply
May 28, 2010 by jayden
hi
Reply
May 29, 2010 by Sandy DeWitt
I am responsible for keeping track of approximately 100 employees where I work. If not for e-mail or other internet use, my day would be spent on the telephone. By using e-mail I am able to contact people quickly and give them information or instruction to provide service to customers.
Of course, as Ms. Ewart noted, we have a world of information easily accessible on the "net" and that is such a time-saving method. We use it constantly instead of having to get information over the phone; so much faster.
On the other hand, I rarely use e-mail in my personal life. I much prefer to pick up the phone at home and call family or friends.
Reply
May 31, 2010 by donna sabin
I have bought two papers in the last 2 weeks,there was no coupons in either one.The second paper was in the lock box.at the va medical center.WHERE ARE THE COUPONS????
Reply
June 1, 2010 by Deeana
RE: “In related research,” Shellenbarger says, “email may make users feel less responsible for telling the truth.” According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, a recent study found “that people are more willing to lie when communicating via email than with pen and paper, and feel more justified doing so.” I have found that the opposite is true. An email is a trace-able and can be saved for future reference, a conversation cannot. Even in the court, hearsay is not admissible because it can't be proven. People are more likely to be truthful in an email because it's on the record. My managers often forget instructions they have provided to me verbally so I often have to ask them to provide them via email so I have a record of what's being asked of me. In just talking to people around the office, I have found that it is mostly the older folks who dislike email communication but then they usually dislike anything that has to do with new technology. Get with the times people!
Reply
June 5, 2010 by inge e
I agree the elderly are resistant to change as technology is foriegn to them. People flourish best in thier comfort zone. One is able to be more productive when able to navigate easily.
Reply
June 11, 2010 by james
I haven't heard on the news if were boycotting BP gas station. So are we doing this? I can't tell,we don't have any BP in my area.
Reply
1 2 »
Tell us what you think.
Let the world know what you think, but please do so responsibly. Comments are moderated and we will not post personal attacks, obscene language or inappropriate material, comments with links, or comments from people under the age of 18. If you have a question, check out our Comment Submission Guidelines.