Too Fast to Think summary

In the last 20 years, the line between people’s working and social lives has blurred. The primary reason for this change is social media.

Frankly, it’s transformed human behavior. Being connected has become increasingly important: how often do you interrupt what you’re doing to check your news feed, emails and other means of communication?

In 2015, Adobe surveyed more than 400 US-based white collar workers aged 18 and older. More than half of the millennials who participated checked their personal email from work and vice versa.

Social media has changed how people think about the world. Thanks to algorithms and targeted news pieces, your feeds are populated with content catered to you. Individuals tend to know little about issues outside their own interests. This is why young people often know more about Kim Kardashian’s life than the candidates in a presidential election.

Interestingly, women are more active on social media. Compared to men, they delegate more time to staying connected with online friends and following brands they support.

In January 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey in conjunction with Women’s Marketing, Inc, and SheSpeaks. The results showed that women are more likely to use social media to advertise their lives and buy products from brands they follow. In addition, the survey found that 46 percent of women look at their smartphone first thing in the morning while 31 percent check their computers.

This increased amount of online engagement leads to more stress. The Pew Research Center noticed that social media allows for a higher awareness of others’ lives, which can promote stressful feelings. As women are naturally more susceptible to stress, social media has a greater effect on them. It’s drastically changed the way that people act and communicate.