Features

E-fatigue? A new term used to describe how constant-connectedness is, well, wearing out a lot of people.

This story is funny but on point about how many different devices we are “relating to” and when, well, it is time to break up.

National Public Radio

…”To understand e-fatigue, perhaps it helps to think about hype cycles. Popularized by Gartner — a Connecticut-based information technology consulting firm — a hype cycle is a way of describing the various stages of public response to certain digital technologies. There are five phases in a hype cycle:

1) Technology Trigger. This is when the technology is first ballyhooed by the media. It could happen at the moment of breakthrough or via an orchestrated product launch.

2) Peak of Inflated Expectations. There is a widespread explosion of publicity that leads to giddiness and overexpectations.

3) Trough of Disillusionment. The technology doesn’t live up to expectations and amid the disappointment, it falls out of favor.

4) Slope of Enlightenment. This is the period during which the true worth, and best use, of the technology is explored.

5) Plateau of Productivity. The technology finds its form. Its benefits are widely recognized. It becomes more reliable and finds an audience — maybe huge; maybe small.”

Source:  National Public Radio, March 4, 2009