With so much reliance upon digital control with a click or voice activation, someone has to ask the question: have the programmers now become programmed by these same tools?
Our contemporary age has placed us within a state of technical fixation. Dependence might be the reality for some. Addiction might be the reality for others. This can occur via a reliance on our smartphones, a specific app or blog, or even old-fashioned online surfing. In order to become conscious of the effects of our digital dependence requires being aware of our behavior (agitation, checking for messages, distraction, etc.), the time lost, and the effects on our life and relationships.
Does your neck swing each time a notification pings your smartphone? Would you freak-out without your cell phone? Is a night without your favorite streaming service or TV not an option. For you, the thought of deleting your Facebook app is just too much?
If you say Yes or Maybe to any of the above, a digital detox might be worthwhile. The website It’s Time to Logoff has crafted a “diet” to provide steps to build greater consciousness and awareness for greater autonomy over the tech tools used to live as opposed to being controlled by them.
Activity 1: When you are not working, what are the gadgets that you have found yourself reliant? How do you respond when those gadgets are not available (not functioning or not present)? What have you done to get through those absences?
Activity 2: When you are not working, what apps/blogs/sites are critical for you? How do you respond when those gadgets are not available (not functioning or not present)? What have you done to get through those absences?
Activity 3: During the hours that you are reliant on these gadgets and or apps, what is not occurring that could be done? Consider crafts, fitness, relationships, etc.