The latest digital trend is to avoid all things digital in the first place. A new means of self control and unlocking work/life balance called ‘digital detoxing’.
Thankfully, this one doesn’t involve cleansing juices featuring torn-up kale leaf floaties. Nor does it require you to pass off a much-needed glass of red to prove you really can go 48 hours without a drink.
Digital detoxing involves turning off your devices for a period of time in order to reconnect with the world around you. It could be for a day, a weekend, a week, a month or even a year if you’re really keen and want to write a book about it.
Like any ‘detox’, the very concept of a digital detox suggests that too much internet is bad for you, or at least delivers toxins that are detrimental to your health and wellbeing. All that faffing about online is really just an indulgence and something you need to clear out of your system — up there with more legitimate nasties like junk food, alcohol and cigarettes.
There are people you can pay to organise digital detoxing holidays. And classes and retreats you can attend for learning how to live your live free from digital distractions. There are also plenty of articles you can read online regarding just how to find the off switch and embark on a digital detox.
But unless you’re swearing off technology forever, a digital detox won’t change your life. The internet, and the tools we use to access it, is continually evolving what it means to be human. It’s where we read and reflect on great ideas, where we share and embrace our plans and movements, and where we absorb and learn important information. It’s also our gateway for simply and efficiently purchasing goods and services. And more important than any of this, it’s where we connect.
And if you’re a digital native, taking a week-long holiday to a faraway destination and leaving your technology at home will sound brilliant — until you find yourself with hours of time on your hands, wishing you could leisurely scroll through your twitter feed.
You don’t have to give up technology to appreciate your friends, family and yourself.
If you really think you could use a little more separation between your on and offline worlds, don’t embark on a digital detox, try sticking to these lifelong habits instead:
Keep technology out of the bedroom. If you need your phone close by in case of an emergency while you sleep, at least vow to never check your emails or social media in the middle of the night.
Leave devices off the table. Don’t let a great conversation with your friends or family be interrupted by a potential phone call or your need to scan Facebook. Time available for socialising is precious so be present and enjoy the moment
Put your road safety first. Forget about using your phone and other devices when driving and crossing roads as a pedestrian. Getting to your destination safely is much more important that whatever’s happening online.
If you need to converse, take your headphones out. If communicating with colleagues is part of your job, then don’t cut off your availability by leaving the headphones in and listening to music all day. And when undertaking a transaction with another human being — say buying a coffee — don’t be a jerk by being engrossed in your technology the whole time.
Follow a few simple rules every day and you won’t need a digital detox. You can enjoy technology and have your holiday too.