Benjamin Clark
In Pursuit of a World Without Email
Benjamin Clark provides a useful rundown on recent literature about modern-day work email culture and the strain it puts on our mental health. But are emails merely a symptom of a larger underlying problem? (Spoiler: the answer is yes.)
'By activating our innate sociability whilst unnaturally fragmenting our thought processes, email induces what Newport calls "the hyperactive hive mind". We feel compelled to reply so as not to appear rude or lazy, but pulling our attention in every which direction leaves us exhausted and unfocused. As Postman warned, it unravels our capacity to think.'