Is it Time for a Digital Detox?
In regard to concerns I have with my own reliance on technology or unhealthy Internet habits, the most general concern I have is simply always relying on technology in the first place. If anything, I go a week out of the year without technology when going on a family hiking/fishing trip. There’s just no chance of getting reception in this mountain range. In fact, i’ve skipped out on a few years of the trip due to technology related issues that could possibly arise due to me not having access to the Internet. Personal things I do such as investing, reselling, running Facebook ads and fulfilling orders that need to be maintained on a daily basis, even at a specific time.
It’s hard to not rely on technology in this day and age. With all the advancements being made and introduced, we can literally do anything (almost anything) from our digital technology devices such as a phone or laptop. I’ve experienced stress and anxiety associated with being overly “connected” online. It’s exhausting, and I question how I was able to keep up with friends and all the apps back in High School, for example. Now, it’s 3–5 business days (slight exaggeration) to get a response from me unless you’re work, or immediate friends or family. In all seriousness, I feel the reliance on technology is contributing to the addictive tendencies that many of us have and struggle with on a daily basis.
In Vox’s article, What’s all this fuss about “digital detox” — and does it really work?, it explains how too much tech can be bad for you. Although, this seems self-explanatory, we still utilize tech in abundant amounts on a daily basis. We (I) forget, or disregard the long-term implications it could have on us for the ease of communication and access to everything. I couldn’t imagine myself doing a 30-day cleanse, for example. I’ve thought this many times: when could I have a chance to take a break from technology? The only time I can think of is when I’m in the mountains with my Dad. Now, ways I reduce stress and anxiety I may be experiencing include setting time limits on how much I use social media. For example, if Instagram notifies me that i’ve spent 1 hour on this app already today, I will refrain from visiting the app so much. It’s a helpful reminder for me to not spend more time on social media unless i’m doing something purposeful, or to try and make money, or test new strategies. Anything other than blindly scrolling through my news feed for hours on end.
I can improve my ability to decrease any negative distractions that digital technologies play in my life by keeping my eye on the prize! As i’ve grown older, i’ve seen how valuable our time is. I realized how much time i’ve wasted in the past on social media when I could’ve been learning about something new, or doing anything to advance my career goals, or basic aspirations for what I want to achieve in life, and not clouded by the “highlight reel” social media tends to portray. I’m bound to find negative distractions on the Internet. I feel it’s important to not dedicate time and energy towards them as they will contribute to the deterioration of yourself.