A new study has proven what we all know in our guts already.
Intel Security announced that 55% of us who plan to unplug during a summervacation don't actually do that, according to their own survey data.
A full68% admitted to checking on work email at least once per day. The split between men and women is also interesting. Intel Security found that 47% of men said they planned to leave their phone behind and 37% of women said they would, but then still never unplugged and kept doing work on a personal trip.
Only 49% of those surveyed said they managed to abstain from email entirely on vacation. That almost half of all business folks on vacation who can't resist the urge.
Another stat worth noting suggeststhat, of those who actually did manage to unplug during vacation, 69% (or more than two thirds) said they had a more restful and enjoyable vacation. There's a reason it's best to leave the smartphone and tablet in your hotel room. By stashing your devices, you are refueling and relaxing in a way that increases productivity later. There's some proven science behind that .
Of course, one point with the survey is that there is a security precaution. It's more than just a danger to our own well-being. The report says criminals are more likely to find out that we're on vacation when we post on Facebook from Tahiti so the thieves know our home is empty andcan be robbed. The report suggests a much better plan is to wait until you get home and then post. It doesn't help that the people who can afford to go to the Caribbean or spend a week on the beach in Florida are also the prime targets for criminals looking to steal your belongings, track your whereabouts and rob you, or hack into your bank account or steal a credit card.
The report mentions how networks in remote locals are often not protected or encrypted, so we have an illusion of being safe because we're in a remote place but criminals could have an easier way to tap into the signal and steal company secrets or load malware. Most of us are not exactly paying attention to who is hacking us.
One last finding worth noting. Intel Security found that Millennials are more likely to unplug while on vacation than those in their 40s and 50s--49% in the younger age group said they will unplug while only 37% of older folks plan to detox.
That's a bit ironic, considering Millennials have grown up with easy access to technology. Or, maybe it's because they are around tech so often that they understand the importance of going without for a few days.
What's your view? Do you plan to bring along an iPhone and keep it handy even by the pool? Intel Security is prompting people to use the hashtag #unplugging if you take a break. The idea is to see a vacation as a digital detox, not a way to maintain all of your social media accounts even though you should be getting a tan.
Post in comments if you plan to unplug...and stay unplugged.
