I got a variety of responses to “unplugging” from technology. Here’s a sample: “Dr. Dixie, concerning technology, I think you’re old-fashioned—and dreaming! It’s just not realistic to unplug.”
Surprisingly, many who enjoy the advantages of new technology also see wisdom in refusing to be controlled by it. Here are some resources for using technology more wisely: National Day of Unplugging: Unplugging all devices from sunset-to-sunset, March 7-8. www.nationaldayofunplugging. com Digital Detox: participants ditch all gadgets for week-ends of activities like cooking or hiking. www.thedigitaldetox.org Books: Alone Together: Why we Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle. Fast Media, Media Fast: How to Clear Your Mind and Invigorate Your Life in an Age of Media Overload by Tom Cooper, PhD Technology is beneficial. However, when misused, it’s costly emotionally and relationally. Studies show increasing media dependency cripples attention spans, damages creation of meaningful relationships, and builds the unreasonable expectation that we can—or should be—constantly connected. Experience shows the more advanced technology becomes, the more likely we are to withdraw from real conversation. Relational intimacy is compromised by instant, but distant, forms of communication.
Computers, cell phones, and tablets are necessary for many jobs. However, stress increases when we’re followed from work by a stream of text messages, Facebook posts, and emails.
The “god” of information was first introduced in Eden as the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Joe Carter, editor of the Evangelical Outpost, personally makes one day weekly completely technology-free. He says, “After drinking from the fire-hose of information, a day without tech-info will seem like a year-long drought. But by unplugging…you’ll find something new in the pause—a voice in the stillness, sharing the information that truly matters.” He suggests: Give yourself a full 24 hours. Tell people that you’re unplugging, so they can understand your lack of response. Dedicate some of the 24 hours to spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship.
Resting from technology isn’t easy, but there are advantages to unplugging: Better sleep: Technology is linked to various types of emotional issues. A recent Swedish study1 found that young people who depend heavily on technology have a greatly increased risk for emotional stress, depression, and sleep disorders. Other research shows social media often produces loneliness, cynicism and envy instead of genuine connectedness. Author Sara Thomée says,2 “Regularly using a computer late at night is associated with sleep disorders, stress and depressive symptoms in both men and women.” Additionally, tablet screen-light is linked to reduced serotonin levels after only two hours of use. Serotonin is the “sleep hormone”; when reduced, sleep quality is poor. This is a major contributor to students who sleep in class.
Breaking internet dependence: The frequency with which people check social media gadgets is the just the right amount to get the brain’s addiction centers engaged, causing brain changes in frequent users.3 The wave of young, compulsive internet users may very well herald a sinister future for next generations. Today’s toddler can operate an iPhone or iPad with ease; connected to devices almost from birth. We’re moving rapidly toward a new “mental disorder”. When recognized officially by the DSM, it will be followed by a flood of new medications. Wikipedia says that internet addiction disorder (IAD) is also called problematic internet use (PIU) or compulsive internet use (CIU).
Better social behavior: A study by University of Maryland found people deeply connected to cell phones were less likely to be good to others, volunteer or display “pro-social behavior.” Researchers suggest this may be because cell phones artificially fill natural needs to be connected to people.
Call 580-774-2884 to learn how to reduce technology-time, giving you more time to enjoy God and people.
