*** WARNING ***
This post might hurt a little. (Myself included.)
Yup. We're going to talk about putting down the iPhone, closing the laptop, and turning off the T.V., so go ahead, I'll wait. Done? Good. Now, take a deep breath. Do you feel better?
I have to admit, I'm a "techie" guy and I love gadgets and gizmos. I like electronics, especially ones that are supposed to make our lives easier, but I often wonder at what cost? I don't mean monetary cost, which that can add up too, but I mean the cost of our time with others, our productivity, and our sanity. I've noticed that sometimes, the things that are supposed to make our lives easier, end up taking more of our attention. Smart phones are a great example of that. We're all guilty of being glued to our phones from time to time.
I've had these thoughts in the back of my mind for years, especially the more I saw those around me staring more at a screen than looking anyone in the eye, but recently, my, big, expensive smart phone decided to stop working, and I had to pull out my old one that was already on it's last leg when I stopped using it almost a year and a half ago. Everything lags, apps take forever to load, and the whole thing freezes up about every third time I try to do something on it. If you want to disconnect from technology, try using something that doesn't work. It will disconnect for you, but I have noticed that it's gotten easier for me to put it down and not carry it with me everywhere.
It amazes me how disconnected we've become from each other as a society, while becoming more connected to everything around us that's completely inanimate and non-reciprocal. I've also developed more peace since I dropped cable television. I have Netflix because I still love to watch things and I have kids, so it's almost a necessity, but it's on my time and it's my choice. I don't have to be subjected to news and media and all the crap that's going on in the world around me. I'm not completely oblivious. I keep up with what's relevant, but on my terms. I'm also finding it easier to escape from social media, and the often negativity and clutter that it ensues.
Am I saying to go completely off the grid? No, not at all. I'm just saying, let's unplug more often. Scroll less Facebook, and play more board games. Have a conversation, with a human, in a coffee shop or a park. Meet a friend for lunch and leave your phone in the car. Let's connect where it matters. There's a great, big app out there called life, and it will pass you by while you're busy choosing the perfect filter on Instagram.
I've had these thoughts in the back of my mind for years, especially the more I saw those around me staring more at a screen than looking anyone in the eye, but recently, my, big, expensive smart phone decided to stop working, and I had to pull out my old one that was already on it's last leg when I stopped using it almost a year and a half ago. Everything lags, apps take forever to load, and the whole thing freezes up about every third time I try to do something on it. If you want to disconnect from technology, try using something that doesn't work. It will disconnect for you, but I have noticed that it's gotten easier for me to put it down and not carry it with me everywhere.
Am I saying to go completely off the grid? No, not at all. I'm just saying, let's unplug more often. Scroll less Facebook, and play more board games. Have a conversation, with a human, in a coffee shop or a park. Meet a friend for lunch and leave your phone in the car. Let's connect where it matters. There's a great, big app out there called life, and it will pass you by while you're busy choosing the perfect filter on Instagram.
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