What the death of notifications could mean for PR pros
Many people are turning to “notification detoxes” to reduce interruptions in their lives. Could new technology like Google’s Little Signals provide an alternative?
Do you hate the sound of those pesky email or text notifications? Or maybe it’s the noise of a text or social media ping that fills you with dread or anxiety.
These constant interruptions don’t just make us feel bad — they’ve actually been shown to negatively affect our cognitive ability and concentration.
Such research has prompted well-being advocates to call for “notification detoxes,” sustained lengths of time where participants undertake the challenge of going interruption-free.
The Guardian interviewed Dr. Aishah Iqbal about her experience with a notification cleanse, and it does sound quite nice:
As Iqbal noticed the effect pop-ups were having on her peace of mind and productivity, she took action. “I turned everything off, and I felt better for it. That was something I could control: the distraction coming from my phone.”
Television ads, pop-up messages on websites and personal device push notifications are all tools communicators might use to reach their audiences. But if people start turning off their notifications or opting out in droves, what happens to your strategy?
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
