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In the last couple of weeks I have been looking a lot into the recent debate regarding whether people are over-using technology and going to new boundaries to be socially awkward. If you haven’t seen any of the videos of recent, it is worth checking out the video below so that you are on the same page and others of this similar message. The video highlights a lot of things that are obviously an issue about today’s society. Mobile devices, constant connection and no social interactions. This video angered me a lot because it created ironic Facebook and Twitter posts. People were posting about this with cringey post titles like “I’m going to change” and “wow, I never realised”. It was a vicious circle thanks to these posts.
I would like to highlight what I do to maintain a balance between technology and living real life situations. Here are a few life hacks that will help to create a world away from technology and a world deeper into the technology world.
1 - 30 minutes of aimless walking a day
I live in a very beautiful (when sunny) part of the UK. I make sure that I take a walk around the City Centre/ Hoe (shown above) to clear my mind and to remove technology and its distractions from my day. I do this everyday, failing that every 2 days. This is important for two reasons, one to keep technology out of your brain and to take in the world around you (maybe snap a photo if it’s nice) and also to be more productive, simple the more oxygen in your brain and body, the more effective results are.
2 - Get some real social networks in your hands
Facebook and Twitter are great but sometimes you need to break away from the social circle of “social network” and put yourself in a location where you know nobody and your only common need is the interests of your life. For example - If you are someone very interested in sport, photography or cooking, speak to others who you don’t know about these. Networks that are perfect for this are Google+, MightyBell and Reddit. Make your social networking, more networking.
3 - Hide your phone/tablet in your rucksack
Here is a top tip! As a university student I carry a rucksack/messenger bag around for most of my day. Throw your phone in the bottom when commuting to the library and to the shops or even to the train station, cinema and other locations. This will stop you using it on the journey, your phone will notify you for a call of course but will stop you IM’ing and SMS’ing the way there, reducing your chances of answering and getting out with the friends or family.
4 - Always keep updated with the news
Find yourself a news app that gives you a burst of data before you go to bed and when you wake up. Nice and simple (a recommendation would be the new News Digest by Yahoo). This will not only get you to spark debate but give you something to talk about casually, grow your ability to retain information and not rely on a smartphone to let a conversation run. This will also make you more aware of current affairs which does come in handy if you are at a Pub quiz or watching a quiz based show.
5- Find a walking buddy to talk to
There is always someone with the same views as you, maybe someone who loves to be around technology. When you find that person or that group, meet up to go on walks to the local shops, to local attractions or just for an aimless stroll and talk about your life, updates, ideas or troubling matters. This will help to clear your mind and grow less reliant on technology in your daily routine. If it’s good enough for Steve Jobs - it’s good enough for you.
