The late communications professor Clifford Nass said
in a 2010 interview:
“We have scales that allow us to divide up
people into people who multitask all the time (checking emails, text messages,
etc.) and people who rarely do, and the differences are remarkable. People who
multitask all the time can’t filter out irrelevancy. They’re chronically
distracted. They just can’t focus and keep on task. They are pretty much mental
wrecks.”
Once you are wired for distraction, you crave
it.
According to a recent report majority of people
would rather go without food and other daily staples than be without their
mobile devices, therefore digital detoxing is not as simple as it sounds.[14]
Symptoms include lack of concentration, a feeling of irritation if separated
from your device or when your battery is running low, looking at your phone
first thing when you wake up, ignoring people while you are at your digital device,
and reduced productivity resulting from overwhelming use of digital devices.[15] (Source-Wikipedia)
Many people are realising the importance of
digital down time in cultivating healthier lives, achieving ambitious career
goals and in generating more productive work habits.
Digital detox refers to a period of time during
which a person refrains from using electronic connecting devices such as
smartphones and computers. It is regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or
focus on social interaction in the physical world.
“Cool it. Carve out spaces of silence and
solitude in order to do the deep thinking that creates meaning out of chaos.
Emptiness is powerful and sacred, the birthplace of new possibility. Make those
spaces for yourself.” (Annalie Killian-social media maven)
The benefits of digital detoxing go beyond the ideological. Research has
shown that too much time with technology can disrupt sleep patterns, hinder the
ability to think deeply and increase
stress.
Meanwhile, the opposite of compulsive smartphone use - mindful
meditation – has been shown to reduce
stress, eliminate insomnia and increase ability to perform under high pressure.
Challenge yourself: Any feelings of panic you may experience about being
switched off are habitual. The world is unlikely to fall apart if you don’t
answer an email (side note: the people in high-pressure jobs need digital
detoxing more than anyone!). Challenge any thoughts about needing to switch on,
and draw your mind back to the here and now.
Enjoy
While digital detoxing is a reward in and of itself, the journey can be
rocky. Schedule in some time to reward yourself for sticking to the plan, by
choosing something you “never” have time for. Enjoy!
