Why Unplug?
Technology is a powerful tool, and I love it! But it’s pretty easy to see that our culture is addicted to our devices. I don't know about you, but this digital age is taking over our home. Here are some stats that Joshua Becker rounded up on our digital usage (go here to check out his article).
84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.
67% of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes.
88% of U.S. consumers use mobile devices as a second screen even while watching television.
Almost half of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed because they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss any calls.
Traditional TV viewing eats up over six days (144 hours, 54 minutes) worth of time per month.
Some researchers have begun labeling “cell phone checking” as the new yawn because of its contagious nature.
He goes on to share 7 important reasons to unplug our technology:
1. Powering-down helps remove unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness. When we are disconnected we are more engaged with the people around us and don’t compare ourselves to other people’s lives.
2. Powering-down combats the fear of missing out. When we are disconnected we don’t know what we’re missing and have time to make memories in the moment.
3. Solitude is harder to find in an always-connected world. When we are disconnected we are able to find solitude and can reflect on life. Reflection is becoming a lost art.
4. Life, at its best, is happening right in front of you. When we are disconnected we are able to engage those right in front of us.
5. Powering-down promotes creation over consumption. When we are disconnected we can create and contribute to the world. The world doesn’t need more consumption, it needs more creation.
6. Addiction can only be understood when the object is taken away. When we are disconnected we realize how addicted we really are to our devices.
7. Life is still about flesh, blood, and eye contact. When we are disconnected we experience people as they really are.
Here's some practical advice when trying to unplug:
• Commit to not turning on technology during your first waking hour. The world got along without you knowing what was going on for the past 7-8 hours.
• Power-down for one period of time each day. When I get home from work, I place my phone on our kitchen island and engage my family. I try not to pick up the phone until Jocelyn goes to bed.
• Better manage the time-wasters. There are a number of Internet tools that can help you better manage your time online. Freedom will disable your entire Internet connection for a time period set by you. Selfcontrol will allow you to block access to uniquely specified websites (for example: Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, your favorite blog) for a period of time, but still have access to the rest of the web.
• Take one extended break on a regular basis. Whether it be for one weekend, one week, or 40 days, there is great value in taking an intentional extended break from technology. Pick something. And get started right away. Your life is waiting.
How will you unplug? It's time to reclaim relationships around the table. Start the Table Age in your home and with your family. Unplug and play games!
