As soon as the lecturer mentioned a site, people “googled” it and everything was live. At the same time I saw people posting on their blogs, answering emails, ‘IM’ing, and searching the web as other thoughts relating to the lectures came to mind. It was a fascinating display of multi-tasking.

Is that good? Multi-tasking, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO_oEGHWSMU which many have embraced as the key to success, could be a formula for shoddy work, mismanaged time, rote solutions, stress and forgetfulness. Paying attention means to one thing, or so I thought.

Psychologist David E. Meyer of the University of Michigan says, “it takes more time for the brain to switch among tasks than it would have to complete one task and then turn to the next.” Obviously a man’s approach. A prolonged period of extreme multi-tasking, warns Meyer, may lead to a shorter attention span, poorer judgment and impaired memory.

Dr. John Medina, developmental molecular biologist who focuses on human brain development, said the brain does not pay attention to boring stuff. The brain wants a rotating, moving, digital image and up to half the brain power is devoted to visual processing. However the brain needs to rest to process information.

I optimally absorb information when I am taking (writing) notes so it can register in my brain for easy recall. While I am writing, I am reviewing the information, and ultimately able to summarize it into key points. All I need to focus on is the lecturer, his material, and the notes. Everything else is a distraction.

I am a strong advocate of technology and I am “plugged in” for far more time than I would like but how many things can one really do at once before it affects their absorption rate and their commitment to really being present.

The jury is still out and I am probably going to buy an iPad soon because I really like to meet with clients, having everything at my disposal.

Immediacy and the lasting impact of what we say online could be positive or negative.  In this case it could have cost Israel the lives of its soldiers on a mission to apprehend suspected terrorists.

On March 4, ABC News reported that the IDF had to cancel an operation to arrest militants in the West Bank several weeks ago after a soldier posted details of the mission.

 Here is the message that the unnamed soldier posted his Facebook page:

 “On Wednesday we are cleaning out the village of Katana (nr Ramallah) – today an arrest operation, tomorrow an arrest operation and then please God, home by Thursday.”

Comrades in his elite unit saw the post and reported it to their commanding officer. The Commander aborted the mission for fears that operational security had been breached.

The result: The soldier was arrested and placed in custody for 10 days before being forced to leave his unit.

This is serious lack of judgment, but at the time the soldier was merely updating his friends using Facebook and making plans for his return home.  He didn’t consider how this information would impact his colleagues, the IDF, and Israel’s security. 

“Friendly fire” in this case came from the post and not the bullet but its impact could have been just as severe.

This phenomenon of “post now and think later” is rampant.  Whether it is inappropriate pictures that follow you for life, negative comments that could cost you a future business opportunity, or being overly critical in a comment section, these very acts can affect your personal brand.

Using social media has become the vehicle for sharing information in an effective, quick, and inexpensive way.  Everyday more and more people seem to be gravitating to it for good reason.

In the frenzied rush to be the first one to report news, we sometimes ignore the bigger picture: the consequences.  Perhaps we should slow down, be mindful, be considerate and put ourselves in the other person’s place when participating on social media. 

Social media is just that – building relationships to a positive end.

There’s no one like mom to be there for you exactly when you need her.  The endless sacrifices she makes, and all the effort she puts in, just to help her children. 

Listen and enjoy and have some special thoughts about your mom. 

Every day is Mother’s Day.

And by the way, if you know where this piece comes from, please post a comment below so I can at least give them credit.