Many of us, especially if we have handheld e-mail devices, routinely process e-mail while engaging in other activities such as walking, talking, eating and even (you know who you are) driving. I am not proud of this, but I have processed e-mail while accompanying my 6-year-old daughter on the “Small World” ride at Disney World. These are not ideal conditions for thoughtfulness. It’s impossible to concentrate fully on your e-mail when you’re distracted, especially by animated dolls shrieking about international understanding.
Full NY Times article here.