Thought about a Digital Detox?
A
New York Times article recently revealed how many people today feel like they
are becoming more forgetful and distracted – even losing touch with family
members. Could this unfocussed, unengaged behaviour be a result of technology
multi-tasking? Linda
Stone, a technology behaviour expert, is a contributor to how technology
affects our minds, emotions and bodies. She classified the term “continuous
partial attention” which is when people pay superficial attention to lots of
snippets of information.
Technology
today can offer us many levels of satisfaction. It has transformed life,
shrinking distances, allowing us to work anywhere and conquer a vast amount of
tasks whilst potentially freeing up time for others things. Physiologically our
primitive impulse to respond to immediate opportunities is easily quashed. A
“technology hit” can provoke a dopamine surge – our brain neurotransmitters
responsible for pleasure. For those of you part of modern diaspora – you may
relate to the happy hit felt when seeing pictures of relatives 25 000 miles
away on social media.
Some
technology multi-taskers say that juggling many things at once is how they feel
productive. Research shows us otherwise. If anything it leads to information
overload and the lack of ability to filter what information is relevant –
resulting in feeling stressed.
Researchers
of the University of California have shown constant connectivity takes it’s
toll on our brains. Excess amount of time talking to people online as opposed
to in person leads to weakening of the circuits that control human contact
skills.
Dopamine
is wonderful but it is worth considering that it can be addictive – and when we
become fixated with technology use, the opposite effect can happen resulting in
depression and obsession compulsive disorder.
So what are the reasons for constant
technology use?
- Need to connect with others
- Feeling of importance
- Fulfil a need when you are feeling anxious
- Stimulation
- Escapism
- Regain control
If
you recognise your technology behaviour as addictive it may be worth
asking yourself the questions above. Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Facebook
founder, suggests we take a day off from gadgets - A Digital Detox…
What are the implications of a Digital Detox?
-
We could look to find our dopamine hit elsewhere, only
in a healthier way. Play sport, create some music, write a letter or draw a
picture, try something new
-
Boxing out digital time is a first step to
self-awareness and reconnecting with yourself
-
Consider how your presence and offering the people
around you, your complete attention is powerful and fulfilling
-
Think about the implications of role modelling this
technology break to your children
-
Give yourself the recuperation time you need – like
muscles, our brain need recuperation time to develop and grow
All
the while you are disconnected – you will not know what is going on
in the cyber sphere and yes you may feel a little out of control but guess
what…..
It will all still be there when you log back on.
By: Leigh McKay
TW: @workwisely
References
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