Tech Time Out
Today, the day after Thanksgiving, I sit here contemplating whether or not I should fast after almost single handly finishing off an entire pumpkin pie. I know there is no chance that actually comes to fruition considering how much I love food and the immense separation anxiety I feel when I go more than four hours without seeing my dear friend.
While I am not giving up food, I am giving up social media for an extended period of time. Thirty days to be exact. After my friends recommended The Social Dilemma, I took a major step back to see exactly how much myself personally has fallen into the trap of social media. Since I’ve moved away from my friends I’ve tried pathetically to avoid “FOMO” by, maintaining a connection via Instagram or other platforms. Instead of just deleting everything instantly, I decided to do a little more research. I came across a guy named Cal Newport. Cal wrote a book called “Digital Minimalism.” No, I did not read the book, but I did listen to a podcast. So basically I’m now an expert. Anyways, Cal talked about an idea of a 30-day detox from all social media.
At first, I planned out the idea that I was going to write some blog post describing what I was doing, then post a link to all my social media pages so whoever wanted to follow along could. I started writing something and had a realization that the only people that with even the slightest care in the world are my amazing grandparents. I also looked back and read my other blog posts and realized how much “room for improvement” there was and figured that I should get some better posts under my belt before I introduce it to the world. Anyway, on November 9th, I just did it. I deleted all the apps and set 1-minute limits for the URLs on Safari. That way if I mindlessly went on it, it would give me a quick sense of hope before shutting down my dreams.
Today is currently November 27th, and it has been eye-opening just how addicted I am. My withdraw symptoms include downloading New York Times and mindlessly opening the ESPN app expecting something magical to arise that wasn’t there 9 seconds ago. One shocking change is that I am actually reading a real book! I also am talking to more people on the phone! Two crazy and abnormal activities. After the 30 days, who knows what happens. I might be so enamored by the freedom that I don’t ever redownload them or more likely the all be on my phone December 9th. But, who cares. I will do thirty days and to me that’s a win.
Also a quick update on my social life. I HAVE FRIENDS… or at least a friend. Progress.
