People can ignore these things when they really want to do something. For example, most people won't check for emails while watching an interesting movie. Similarly, if I'm working up awesome code that needs to be ready for tomorrow, I'm going to forget to sleep, never mind email.
The problem comes when they are doing something they don't want to be doing - they might check them while watching a nourishing NPR documentary, or that 1980s zombie movie He insists is amazing.
So why are I commenting on HN while I am supposed to be working? I think it's because there isn't a strong enough negative consequence. Most people can perform +-20% at anything in their lives, and not see much effect either way. So if they don't like doing an activity, why not give it -20% effort?
In the 70s it would be a cigarette break, now it's reddit. People don't change much.
The problem comes when they are doing something they don't want to be doing - they might check them while watching a nourishing NPR documentary, or that 1980s zombie movie He insists is amazing.
So why are I commenting on HN while I am supposed to be working? I think it's because there isn't a strong enough negative consequence. Most people can perform +-20% at anything in their lives, and not see much effect either way. So if they don't like doing an activity, why not give it -20% effort?
In the 70s it would be a cigarette break, now it's reddit. People don't change much.