I have to say it: I am not against social media, or screened devices in general. I think even the parts which get the most demonized and have caused me, personally, the most harm—the stranglehold on my attention—have their place. I’m an advocate for strategic distraction and escapism during difficult times in this world.
Society has rather rapidly re-structured around our devices, making it impossible to work many jobs, go to school, start a business, or maintain a social life without them. It has to be said that those who can’t afford them at all are hit the worst by this occurrence, and owning these devices is ultimately a privilege. The severe levels of isolation and thwarted achievement that we would endure were we to opt out are worth it only to very few, and yet that very opting out would be a privilege. But, as we’ve likely all encountered at this point, there is a plethora of information out there on the negative effects of social media and technology on our productivity, happiness, confidence, finances, relationships, and overall health.
I’ve tried various ways of mitigating this for myself, with varying success. But I believe my most recent move against my co-dependent relationship with screens—to take every Sunday completely away from them—is perhaps finally tipping the scales in a bigger way.
I got an alarm clock, so I don’t need my phone for the time or an alarm. I got a record player to keep me off Spotify if I want music. I look up directions ahead of time if I know I’m going somewhere new. Plans I make with others have to be solidified the day before and actually adhered to.
I wanted to take some time to just share what I’ve noticed so far:
The effects are cumulative, despite the days not being sequential.
I expected this to be kind of a weekly “reset.” The effects of distraction and over-stimulation would build and build toward the end of the week, then I’d cut the cord and be able to start fresh each week. For a while—that was the case. Cut and dry. But after a couple of months now, I’ve noticed that my entire attitude and experience with technology and social media is changing. Even more importantly, my engagement with my offline life is deepening.
I am significantly less anxious.
I’m still very anxious, and have always struggled with anxiety. But there is a marked difference in how I feel on Sundays as well as after, and as stated in the last point, the effect seems to be kind of building on itself.
I see and think just a little bit differently.
For those of you who have ever taken a very low dose of psychedelics and observed just a hint of everything becoming more vivid, I kind of feel like that now most of the time. I feel like literally my visual system has shifted in a subtle way that’s hard to describe. It’s like HDTV, everything feels a little bit more “real.” Colors and light literally look different, and my head is overall clearer and slower (in a good way.)
Occasionally I can’t handle it and need to watch a movie or something.
I think this is mostly due to the particularly stressful period we’re living through right now, but I could see it happening occasionally in general in the future. If I’m really anxious and not enjoying my experience, and none of my other tools are working such as getting exercise, sun, nature time, a meditation session, or just losing myself in a book—there have been times when I’ve made myself a nice meal and watched a movie. All is forgiven. It’s also a much more conscious choice, with reasoning behind it, than how I engage on other days or especially at certain times in my life.
Are you interested in joining me for Device Free Sundays? Please do! This is a kind of a non-event, so all you have to do to participate is to participate. Please feel free to reach out and share any of your observations, experiences, or questions. I’d love to hear them.