Technology Addiction is a real. The recent court cases brought this back to light. Several people in my circle cannot put down their smartphones. The “always starers down group” constantly looking at those 6-inch monitors. Notice in restaurants, groups sitting together at tables, yet each person might as world be on a different planet. Instead of enjoying each other’s company, everyone is engaged in a dinner relationship with an Android product. or iPhone. Years ago, I decided to put limits on all technology in the home. For me, unplugging did not only involve a puling charger from the socket.
A no technology space exists in my flat. A place that is old school, pre-2001. The bedroom is for relaxing, letting go for of all that is outside, getting a clear head. For these reasons, I have self-ban regarding smartphones, tablets, or lab tops in bed. In the place of an accessory that needs a recharge, there is book on the side stand. Leaving the tech devices in the kitchen after a certain time makes for better sleeping. There is no internal trigger to wake up for a quick screen check.
A second yet simple trick is to buy a dumb phone. One able to make and receive calls. The connectivity is still there without the addictive qualities. Carrying a cheap mobile device, the user will have more time during the day, with breaking the digital chain comes less stress.
Before Google Maps, people made appointments to meet at a certain place and time. Making a date does not have to involve chatting on WhatsApp for hours before the appointment. Giving directions: “Meet at the corner of 5th and Broadway” at 6pm.
As the world wakes to the technology addition, the cures are not difficult to find. Unplugging is only a matter of will power requiring one bar of discipline.