---
title: ADD
date: "2005-02-14T12:00:00Z"
categories:
  - links
wp_id: 749
description: I explore whether computers increase or hamper productivity by analyzing reports on digital distraction. I look at how email and internet access create a form of ADD that causes even smart professionals to underperform in business settings.
keywords: [productivity, attention deficit disorder, digital distraction, harvard business review, business performance, time management]
---

Are computers increasing or hampering productivity? This [article at NY Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/10/technology/circuits/10info.html?ei=5058&en=fad0d654ee9195bf&ex=1108702800&partner=IWON&pagewanted=all&position=) talks about the increasing levels of distraction PCs drive us to, with e-mail, Internet, games, music, photos, movies, books, chat, ... It's a form of ADD: attention deficiency syndrome. Harvard Business Review has an article titled [Why Smart People Underperform](http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/b01/en/hbr/hbrsa/current/0501/article/R0501E.jhtml;jsessionid=2DQB2O4PNUPJMCTEQENB5VQKMSARWIPS) (Jan 2005: subscription required) talks about its impact in the business world.