Disconnection is often linked to a lack of communication through digital means.
Disconnection is the act and result of disconnecting : cutting the connection that exists between two or more elements. Generally, the concept of disconnection refers to the interruption of communication or link between devices or between devices and individuals .
Currently, the idea of disconnection is usually associated with the loss of telephone signal and the absence of an Internet connection . This brings multiple inconveniences although it also, in some contexts, favors rest and relaxation .
The digital disconnect
Digital disconnection means losing your Internet connection. Therefore, it occurs when a computer, phone or other device registers an interruption or interference that prevents it from accessing the network .
Connections can be carried out using fiber optics , ADSL or other technology. There are devices that need to be linked via cable to a modem or router, while others use wireless connectivity ( WiFi , mobile data , etc.).
The causes of the disconnection can be varied. A power failure that causes a blackout, for example, leaves you without access to the Internet. Equipment breakdown, cable errors, a network failure and other technical problems also lead to disconnection. In the case of wireless connections, the distance to the router that emits the WiFi signal and the lack of telephone coverage leave no signal.
Today being offline usually means being inoperative at the work level. The interruption of the Internet makes it impossible to download documents and use email and instant messaging programs, to name a few consequences. That is why the normal operation of an office is almost impossible when there is a service interruption.
A power outage can lead to disconnection.
Voluntary disconnection
Being connected to the digital world 24 hours a day provides multiple benefits but, at the same time, generates inconveniences. In the workplace, this reality leads many employers to contact their employees at any time, even during rest days , to request the completion of work tasks, without any compensation for this extra work.
For self-employed workers and entrepreneurs, on the other hand, permanent connection blurs the line between obligations and rest . Many people feel that they cannot ignore the messages because if they do they would be at fault with their clients or they would lose opportunities.
Constant connection even brings anxiety problems in everyday life , beyond work tasks. Pretending to be aware of posts on social media produces anxiety and, in some cases, even dependency.
For all these reasons, voluntary disconnection is often chosen. In this way, the disconnection does not occur due to a technical issue, but rather the person themselves chooses to "leave" the Internet or not be available on the phone.
In various legislations, disconnection is a right . This allows the employee not to attend to messages associated with their work responsibilities outside of the agreed work time.
It is common to notice the disconnection when having problems accessing the Web.
Disconnection for well-being
This intentional disconnection is a mechanism that helps reduce stress. After all, a worker who is unreachable by his boss knows that he will not receive inappropriate or inappropriate messages.
If someone wants to be alone and enjoy the silence in a retreat , to mention another possibility, they should proceed to turn off their phone . The same when an individual wants to indulge in meditation .
Unplugged vacations , in this framework, are becoming increasingly popular. Under this modality, people take advantage of the break from obligations to take a break from the screen and spend their free time without technology.
It cannot fail to be mentioned, however, that there are those who consider digital isolation and disconnection from the network to be an anachronism . According to this view, deciding not to connect represents an evasion of reality since social ties, access to information and other issues are realized thanks to connection.
The concept in psychology
Psychologists appeal to the notion of emotional disconnection to refer to the isolation and self-absorption of a subject as a defense mechanism . The person, in addition to forcing a separation with their own emotions, shows a disengagement from the environment that leads to a social disconnection .
Whoever goes through a situation of this type appears disconnected from reality and shows a detachment to avoid situations or events that cause pain . By repressing emotions, they try to protect themselves, although the effect is negative because it prevents learning and moving towards a new stage.
Social psychology, on the other hand, talks about moral disconnection . In this framework, a subject convinces himself that moral norms may not apply in a certain context, with which a behavior that would be condemnable becomes acceptable according to his consideration.