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Many people today regard their computers, tablets, and smartphones as indispensable, both professionally and personally. But they can also be dangerous: Research shows that spending too much time on e-mail and social media reduces your productivity and engagement at home and at work. So how can you avoid digital overload? In this article, two experts offer dramatically different strategies. Larry Rosen, a psychologist, advocates pulling away from technology in order to refocus. His advice: Limit the time you spend with your devices, using behavioral techniques to gradually wean yourself away; when you are using technology, take periodic breaks to exercise, meditate, or otherwise recharge; and avoid on-screen activities before bedtime to ensure that you get proper rest. Alexandra Samuel, a pioneer in electronic engagement, recommends the opposite tack: Embrace technology and make smarter use of digital tools to manage information overload. She suggests filtering your e-mail and using a newsreader app to customize the stream of articles and blog items you receive. You can also automate your postings to social networks. The author's approaches needn't be mutually exclusive. Indeed, combining them may be the best way to combat digital distraction.

"Showrooming"--a phenomenon whereby shoppers visit stores to examine merchandise in person before buying the items online--is viewed as a huge threat to brick-and-mortar retailing. But instead of feeling threatened by showrooming, retailers should study their customers' paths to purchase and use the insights gained to hone their online marketing efforts. This Vision Statement illustrates the typical paths by which Pinterest users use the web to make purchases.