Staying "logged-in"

So this week, I was sitting in one of my classes and the instructor begin the lecture.  About 15 minutes into it, her powerpoint was interrupted by a Skype call.  She immediately declined the call and continued with the lesson.  A couple of seconds later, she received another call.  She declined again, and then accessed the Skype application to what I assumed would be to "sign-out".  However, she chose just to change her status to "Do not Disturb", but remained logged in to Skype.

I immediately asked her why stay logged in at all.  By "Do not Disturb" people still have the ability to call her if they choose.  Her response was that she is "here", but she does not want to be disturbed.  She then opened up the status bar and was trying to decide what to change it to then.  She then selected the "Invisible" option.

I again immediately questioned her choice.  Her response was that this way people can't see that she is online, so they won't be able to call.  I agreed, but asked why she hadn't just signed off completely?
Her answer was that this way, she would be able to see who else is online.  I asked if she would be checking it throughout the lecture?  She said no.  "So, why not sign off completely?" I asked.  She had no response.
She eventually saw my point and signed off from Skype completely.  In the end, it did not matter to me what her status was, as long as my learning wasn't interrupted.  I'm sure "Do not disturb" or "Invisible" would have worked just fine, but I was just trying to make a point and also figure out what the decision making process behind it was.

I think this brings a valid point forward of how people function today.  The internet allows them to constantly be connected.  Even when they don't want to be disturbed.

Most people will check their Facebook or Twitter accounts daily, but people are more and more leaving them on.  They want to receive the news right away.
I understand that these are a an effective and direct means of communication, especially to large markets, however, it can and does distract you.
You are constantly being pulled away from your work or studies to see what important or interesting news your friend has posted.  Next thing you know, 30 minutes has passed and all you have done is looked at pictures of your friends new puppy!

A number of companies have put restrictions on work computers to block Facebook and Twitter websites.  I don't necessarily believe this is a good idea.  I do believe this can improve productivity, however, it does eliminate a new communication tool.

If your company has not restricted your internet web browsing abilities, you should think about setting restrictions on yourself to only check it twice a day.  Once when you first arrive in the morning, and again in the afternoon, for any messages that may have arrived during the day.  Limit yourself to the messages and posts that are work related.  Those puppy photos will still be there when you get home.

You are at your job to work.  That is why it is called "Work".  Try to log off, and focus on your task at hand.  Your boss will notice the difference, as your work improves, and that of your co-workers diminishes, as they continue to tweet.

Only Log-on when necessary.  Of course there are exceptions.  And I am not here to be your mother or Police the internet, but these are suggestions that should be taken with a grain of salt.  For progression at work, and with those that you are with, learn to be engaged with them, and online when you are alone.

There is nothing worse than watching a first date, and both of them are on the phone, texting or changing their status to "first date going well so far", while still sitting at the dinner table.  Trust me, I've seen it.  And they both said that they enjoyed the others company and would go on another date.  I was flabbergasted!

Just think of why you are leaving it on?
Why change your status to invisible?
The Log-off button is there for a reason.