Posting Date: November 06, 2002

Reader Comment -- In reference to The Social Life of Paper Gabriel writes: "This is one of the great puzzles of the modern workplace. Computer technology was supposed to replace paper. But that hasn't happened. Every country in the Western world uses more paper today, on a per-capita basis, than it did ten years ago. The consumption of uncoated free-sheet paper, for instance-the most common kind of office paper-rose almost fifteen per cent in the United States between 1995 and 2000. This is generally taken as evidence of how hard it is to eradicate old, wasteful habits and of how stubbornly resistant we are to the efficiencies offered by computerization. A number of cognitive psychologists and ergonomics experts, however, don't agree. Paper has persisted, they argue, for very good reasons: when it comes to performing certain kinds of cognitive tasks, paper has many advantages over computers. The dismay people feel at the sight of a messy desk-or the spectacle of air-traffic controllers tracking flights through notes scribbled on paper strips-arises from a fundamental confusion about the role that paper plays in our lives."

Reader Comments...

Well, I can see the value of paper, having read "The Social Life of Information." But is it possible that part of the reason for the increase is changing demographics? (Don't know here, but if more people are working due to age shifts...) Also, could it relate to shifts towards service economies?

Posted by: Frank on November 7, 2002 01:38 PM

Paper is tactile, and the computer is not - you touch the keys, but not the information. I used to work in a bank and was amazed at the people who refused to get on direct deposit, even though their employers made it dead easy for them and getting a paper check meant they had to bring themselves down to the bank, stand in line, and deposit it, sometimes days later if they were busy. "I want to have the check in my hand," they'd always say.

These were not survivalists squirrling their cash away in a mattress - they came into the branch and did the same thing the direct deposit would have done: put it in their account. They just wanted the paper.

Posted by: Lydia on November 7, 2002 03:26 PM

Computer became important not because it could replace paper in an office but because it could make it more efficient. But when it was introduced, it was easier to sell the first point then the second.

Posted by: Richard Lehoux on November 7, 2002 03:54 PM

Lydia - Our department makes it easy to direct deposit as well, but I prefer to pick it up myself. There's something about being able to physically handle it makes it seem more "real" somehow. Plus, on some days, the only thing that can get me to drag myself to work is knowing that paycheck is available.

Also, I've noticed that the only people around our department who don't use direct deposit are males, and there are a very high number of us who don't. I wonder if there's anything there...

Posted by: Ryan on November 8, 2002 09:34 AM

I used to feel the same way about direct deposit. That was until I was under severe time pressure. Then, I was not depositing checks, not sending out bills, loosing track of things. I've started direct deposit, and, more importantly, starting automating my bills online. (I use Fleet Homelink) It is unqestionably the best financial descision I've ever made.

Going the other way, I've given up on palm pilots. I use index cards now. I have a palm pilot case on my belt with index cards containing calendars (I custom printed them), todo lists, and phone numbers.

One issue I run into in the paper/computer debate is repetitive strain injury. I have to be very careful using the computer too much. I find by splitting activities between computer and paper I use different sets of muscles and have a better chance of remaining healthy. Voice recognition, which I am using to type this paragraph is also a godsend. It has allowed me to use the computer more when I feel the computer is the right tool to use.

-Jeff

Posted by: Jeff Albro on November 8, 2002 10:35 AM

Hey, Ryan, good point - now that I think back, the people who wanted to get their paper check were almost exclusively male! In fact, I can't remember a single female telling me this, although I'm certain there must have been one or two?

Jeff, I have to admit, that I, too, now use my PAD device exclusively. My PAD has many advantages over the Palm - flexible input, recognizes my handwriting flawlessly, never needs recharging, recyclable.

All kidding aside, I know a lot of people who have done this. I've also gone back to the 'analog' day planner for similar reasons.

However, I do have my paycheck and all of my bills directly deposited/debited from my account. I love not having to think about it, and since I use my check card for purchases (no credit), it's fairly simple to do.

Posted by: Lydia on November 8, 2002 01:31 PM

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