A detox is defined as the process to rid the body of unhealthy substances, digital detox is making us socially out of shape. This applies to dating as the tribal and community mindset of dating and relationships is on the decline. I would estimate that online dating completely lost its social stigma in 2012 with the introduction of Tinder, but with it we’ve also lost much more. More than ten years ago, the nightlife scene was much more intentional as friends would gather to catch up on the week, make eye contact with strangers, and allow a natural connection to happen. Nowadays, the technology has dominated the space and time of happy hour and undoubtedly interrupts the process of a natural connection. Once you remove nightlife from the equation, it leaves select avenues such as the gym, restaurants, coffee shops, church, and your employment as potential places to meet a special someone.
Although the above list is promising – the technology never leaves our brains even if we put our phones down. We find ourselves overwhelmed and obligated to it so much that the remainder of the social energy we have left is razor thin. This then leads to a well-traveled mental road of Netflix or oher streaming services to let our mind wander a bit. When the mind wanders enough, it will come back to what the brain needs – the phone. According to PsychGuides.com, phone addiction leads to some of the following physical and psychological effects: digital eye strain, neck problems, increased illnesses, car accidents, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Read the below tips to help you with get started digital detox:
- Audit and Delete – It’s time to do some cleanup on time waster apps. Prioritize between apps that keep you in contact with important people in your life versus those that are just redundant distractions. It’s important to remove restaurant and video game apps you no longer use as the quantity of apps on your screen at one time can be overwhelming.
- Phone Down/Step Up – Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media during work breaks, it’s best to take a walk and clear your head a bit. If working in an office environment you are more than likely already staring at a digital screen, take hold of yourself and don’t let the technology control you. The walk can be meditative, reflective, and also a way to remind yourself on short or long term goals.
- Accountability Partner – This might be the hardest step as some of us feel shameful to ask for help but this is the most important step. Text your friends and family a copy and paste message to the effect of, “I’ve received your text but currently on a digital detox and will respond at a later time.” Most will appreciate the text and it may even inspire them to do the same. Having someone else keep you on track from staring at your phone too long can even lead to a closer bond that won’t require hours of texting. Another example of how they can keep you on track is by sending a screenshot of your phone activity time or setting up personal challenges.
Whatever popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. Though it seems unrealistic to never utilize your phone to keep in contact with friends or the latest news, keep in mind that balance is the key to life. We have much more control over our self-growth than we realize so why not remind yourself to be human again. Besides, looking up and smiling at a stranger may lead to a moment that can change your life for the better if not forever.