The belief is that we are too addicted to technology, which research backs up and with which I agree, and that to detach from it for even a day can allow us to reset our minds, sleep better, and reconnect with more important things, like people. To further illustrate the dangerous levels to which tech has infiltrated society and life, it has even been shown that when people are removed from the technology on which they have become dependent, they can experience symptoms similar to the delirium tremens that alcoholics feel as they detox.
It also has recently come to light that a few days of camping and/or experiencing nature can reset one's mind and allow them to think in a more focused manner, and even reset their circadian rhythm.
This is much better than Angry Birds
So if you missed it, which I suspect you did, see if you can take a day - a single 24-hour period - without using technology at all. If you're able to do it, let us know how it went. If you didn't, let us know why not. If you tried but couldn't because you needed your work BlackBerry, that's OK too, everyone is different.
I asked on the first day of class if you could give up technology for a weekend and most of you said 'no' before I finished asking the question. Let's try it again and see what happens. Talk to you all again on Tuesday!
My girlfriend told me about this. She said that she was going to unplug for 24 hours. She was so nervous about it, she said she was sweating, but she is the type of person that checks in on Facebook when she goes to Chili’s for lunch. While I am not as “connected” as she is, I would probably feel pretty uncomfortable if I was not able to use my phone for 24 hours, especially since I use it for so many things from day to day. Moreover, my mother might freak out and start calling hospitals because she would forget that I told her that I wasn’t using my phone for the day. However, I think it is a cool idea to let it go for a day or two.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I could turn my phone completely off, only because if there is an emergency with my daughter, I would need it on. Otherwise, I could probably live without the television or other electronic devices for 24 hours. I don't know if this is the same thing, but when I go to the park and power walk and soak up nature (so to speak), that also helps rejuvenate me. In Asian culture plant and nature are a positive way of clearing you.
ReplyDeleteMya Taylor
I appreciate technology and like it very much, but I also try to get away from it every so often. This might sound ridiculous, when I take my kids camping, I purposely do not bring and computers, TV radio, tablets, or game devices. I bring a phone, but that is only for emergency. I just want them to experience the good old outdoors without having to depend on a computer. It's good for them, besides we keep busy with hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, archery, etc., there is no time for anything else except eating, cleaning up and sleeping. It's hilarious, after scary stories and roasted marshmallows, they are so tired, they just crawl in there sleeping bags and pass out; they didn't even think of using a computer or phone.
ReplyDeleteI told them time and time again that is what I used to do every other weekend for many years, and I loved it. Besides, I taught my kids how to survive in the wilderness without anything but a book of matches and a knife.
Recently my spouse and I made a pact that we would not take cell phones out to dinner. Being able to sit and and enjoy dinner once again without technology intrusions is very nice. My spouse has also turned off all automatic work related text messages to the cell phone on weekends. His phone receives texts every 15 minutes that shows him that the work servers at work are operational.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that we have become addicted to our own technology. I do often see this with some children nowadays which I still find pretty sad. Some of my niece and nephews would rather play angry birds passing the Ipad amongst each other rather than playing hide and seek or tag with one another. I personally cannot go a 24hr period without using technology due to work. For the people who can, congratulations! I take a different route though. The way I detach from technological devices is I would go to the gym every day or every other day and go hiking or fishing every other week. It allows me to have time to myself to think and relax. There was a time where I was so hooked on my computer and all I did was eat, sleep, play PC games. My body took a toll, over time I had developed slight high blood pressure and a lot of acne problems. I certainly do not wish for this to happen again and do encourage others to not get so attached and drowned in technology.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a huge influence on mostly everyones lives. I know it is especially an influence on my life and I think it would be hard to not have technology. I have been at church camp over summer for a week with out any service and it was really relaxing and nice not having to respond to anything or anyone. I would definitely do it again if I were camping or spending time with people. I do love my technology and wouldn't want to live without it but I could go some time with out it.
ReplyDelete-Kristen Lalli
This is an activity I would have liked to partake in, but I missed it. However, maybe I will try this out on my own time for 24 hours. I am "addicted" to technology, as many of you can relate. I hardly see anyone without them looking at their cellphones at least once every hour. It is strange that technology has a detoxifying effect. The world is a beautiful place though, and I am determined to see what the real world has to offer. I remember as a middle-schooler I used to actually go outside, play with friends, go camping, etc. That was all before I had a cell phone. Now I feel like I need one everyday to function. Funny how things change, in less than one decade!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I failed at this challenge! It’s really difficult when almost everything you have to do require technology. For example, pay bills, turning in your assignments, and checking your calendar. This week was a difficult week because of midterms. I am going to try it again over the weekend, since its spring break and I don’t have much to worry about or do, I decided I will take the time and be technology free. I actually think being technology free is really relaxing and you get a lot of things done when I spend less time on social media. I really want to catch up with some friends in person, opposed to always sending them text messages.
ReplyDeleteWhile I didn’t participate in this, I often take initiative to leave my phone at home or to turn it on airplane mode one day every other weekend. I definitely would say that I’m not addicted to technology. While school and work requires to me be on it frequently, I love the time I spend away from it! Peace and quiet, the sound of children playing, birds chirping… these are all things we miss when we get to engulfed in our phones or when we stay inside in front of a computer, TV, or gaming console all day. I often have this conversation with my daughter when we get in the car and the first thing she asks is, “can I play on your phone?” I reply with, “No”. I tell her to play with her Barbie’s, look at her books, look out the window at her surroundings and use her imagination. When I was a child, I certainly didn’t have any cool gadget to play on; slug bug was our thing. Being unplugged is the best thing to do to remain in touch with people and to focus on yourself and your own life. Mental health and peace is so important and you just can’t give it with the “bling” every time you get a notification on your phone or computer.
ReplyDelete-Bridget Towery
I find that this day would be difficult for most individuals to handle since many are extremely influenced by technology. I find it being very odd to not be with my phone at times but after I get over the idea of being without it, I always seem to feel a sign of relief to be away from the environment and habits that come along with it. I like the idea of being unplugged and truly just inspired to go venture off and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us here in Las Vegas. The thought of being away from technology used to scare me, but now I am so intrigued by it and wish I could do it more often than I do currently. Very interesting comments made on this post.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we missed national unplug day, I think it is a great idea. I completely agree with the concept that we are all way to connected to our devices. My kids are not allowed to have any devices at the table while eating. They also have a curfew on weekdays as to when all devices are cut off. Devices are not allowed in their rooms after curfew, they are put on the kitchen counter and they may get them in the morning. I am not one of those people that can't ignore my phone. If I am busy I will ignore it. Although I have never gone a full day without my devices I do set aside times to be unplugged. It is important to have that time to yourself and with loved ones.
ReplyDeleteOops I guess I missed national unplug day, but I think it is important to implement a day where no one uses technology. I do agree that majority of the nation has became very dependent upon technology which leaves very little room for human interaction. I actually go without my phone Monday-Friday at work due to a strict NO phone policy. (crazy since I work for a cell phone company.) So having time away from not being able to be on my mobile device is fine with me, but once I am off work I am on my phone checking email, and on social networking sites. But I would not say that I am addicted to technology I have no problem with turning off my phone while at home to just have time to myself.
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