UNDERSTANDING about DIGITAL DETOX
BACKGROUND
Almost 30 years ago when I got my first mobile phone. I didn’t need it at all, but as everyone started to have their own, I decided to get one even though my income was limited due to a car loan. The screen was very small and there were not many sound options. Pulling the retracted antenna and managing phone calls conferred upon me a sense of proficiency, a touch of self-fulfillment, and a satisfying confidence, casting me in the role of a skilled player in the world of business. At the time, I had no idea I would be thinking about digital detox all these years later.
Today, the smart phones we use are essentially mini computers, giving us added power and capability at our fingertips. With features like maps and navigation, email, camera and payment, even for health monitoring, we are always connected and in control.
I used to enjoy looking at photo books of master photographers, with their amazing shots capturing happy moments like a woman walking her dog, people gathering and laughing loudly, and children playing happily and innocently kicking a ball. These photos looked so happy and lively, devoid of stress. But, I don’t see that same charm in recent street photography. It’s not just about who’s taking the photos; something in the scenes seems to be missing, as if people have forgotten how to enjoy life’s moments. The things we see in front of us are moments of miracles that will never come back, and I can’t help but feel that we have lost something valuable.
It’s designed to be addictive
Designers and developers across various industries are constantly working to engage users and customers in our capitalist society. Design has a two-fold purpose: to create high-quality products and services while ensuring business profitability. This is crucial for staying ahead of the competition in an industry where, as the saying goes, “the winner takes it all.”.
To stay ahead of the competition, companies and businesses prioritize increasing the number of users and maximizing their expendable budget per user. By keeping users happy, engaged, and satisfied, they strive to earn their loyalty.
As global competitions in digital infrastructure continues to intensify, it becomes increasingly important for companies to uphold strong business ethics.
WHAT IS DIGITAL ADDICTION
Digital addiction is an excessive use of digital technology with digital devices, such as smartphones, computers, or the internet, which can negatively impact various aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, mental, and social well-being. The problems associated with digital addiction include poor sleep quality, decreased attention and concentration, increased stress and anxiety, decreased physical activity, strained relationships, and difficulty in communicating with others in person.
While I’ll leave the discussion of the negative health and psychological consequences of digital addiction to the experts, I’d like to focus on the topic of productivity in this conversation.
Digital addiction can have a detrimental impact on productivity, as excessive use of technology can interfere with an individual’s ability to focus and complete tasks efficiently. Distractions from constant notifications, the temptation to check social media or play games, leading to decreased productivity and potentially lower job performance. Additionally, decreased concentration can negatively impact decision-making and problem-solving skills, which can be crucial in personal and professional settings. Furthermore, it can also lead to increased stress and anxiety, as an individual may feel overwhelmed or frustrated by their inability to concentrate and complete tasks effectively.
How to Prevent Digital Addiction
Understanding the 5 Stages of digital addiction
To prevent digital addiction, it’s essential to adopt various strategies tailored to individual needs. While setting device usage limits is a popular method, it may not work for everyone. RHLife suggests assessing addiction stages by examining the distance one can maintain from their devices. The ability to function without your smartphone in hand indicates your level of dependence on digital devices.
- Step 1 – Store your digital devices in another room.
- Step 2 – Create tech-free zones, such as bedrooms or dining areas.
- Step 3 – Switch off electronic devices during designated periods.
- Step 4 – Embrace mindfulness: Concentrate on the present moment and participate in offline activities.
- Step 5 – Leave your smartphone at home when going out for social or leisure activities.
Deciding your own tech-free zones, such as the bedroom, can be quite an effective way to have a decent amount of break from the digital devices. While some individuals may use their smartphones as alarm clocks, using a traditional analog clock as a replacement can help to promote better sleep. By creating a designated tech-free space, individuals can establish a boundary between their technology use and other aspects of life, promoting balance and well-being.
Relaxed Happy Life recommends exploring “Sound Meditation” to improve concentration and productivity. You can play the meditation sound for as long as you desire. Personally, I find peace and serenity by listening to the sound for nearly 24 hours a day.
Also, if you are trying to wean yourself off your smartphone by leaving it at home, you may encounter unexpected situations. However, life was this way before modern technology existed, and we managed just fine. It’s important to accept that what happens in the future is meant to be and to be prepared for it.
USING SMARTPHONE LOCK BOX WITH TIMER
If your child suffers from severe digital addiction, use a timer lock box/case. The products allows students to lock away their smartphones for a set period of time, such as during study sessions or overnight. By physically removing the temptation of their phones, students can better focus on their studies and reduce the distractions that can come from constant notifications and alerts. The timer lock box can also serve as a reminder for students to take a break from their screens and engage in other offline activities.
SEPARATION FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE
This might seem very strange and absurd, but if you are unable to separate from your smartphone, one possible solution is to place it inside your body. Although it may sound crazy, it could be a quick solution… Me? No, thank you.
In many science fiction movies or Netflix shows, we have seen scenes that depict computer-brain connections or the embedding of small chips in the body. Although the concept may seem frightening, some companies are actively exploring these technologies. I personally hope that we retain the right to choose.
If you are against the idea of computer-brain connections or body chips, it’s very important to start practicing separation from digital devices and train and enhance your memory and five senses, so a digital detox would be essential.
RHLife’s VIEW
When people rely solely on computers and neglect to use their own memory, brain and five senses, their ability to anticipate danger may diminish or even disappear in the absence of any threats. Before the pandemic, our lives were thriving, with businesses booming and property prices rising. Our desires seemed limitless, and our sense of caution may have been decreased.
I believe that sharpening mindfulness, our body as well as five senses to their full potential can unleash the power of our intuition and unlock previously unexplored parts of the brain, allowing us to interact with computers on an equal level.
RELATED SOURCES
Digital detox – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_detox
Characteristics of social media ‘detoxification’ in university students – National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles
/PMC7717533/
Step Away from the Smartphone: How to Do a Digital Detox – healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-do-a-digital-detox
Does Digital Detox Work? Exploring the Role of Digital Detox… – National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32354288/
Digital addiction: how technology keeps us hooked – The Conversation
https://theconversation.com/digital-addiction-how-technology-keeps-us-hooked-97499
Meet Chip: Brain – National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
https://ncats.nih.gov/tissuechip/chip/brain
Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Implant Could Begin Human Trials In 2023 – Forbs
https://www.forbes.com/sites/qai/2022/12/07/
elon-musks-neuralink-brain-implant-could-begin-
human-trials-in-2023/?sh=740ce8cd147c
