Fixing Our Unhealthy Technology Habit

Modern electronic technology entices and engages the majority of us. From the ubiquitous smartphone to cooking our meals, these small glowing interfaces are our world. The price for this interaction is just now being tallied and we are hurting from the experience. But as it is our technology behavior that got us into trouble, changing some of that behavior can take us back to feeling good again. It is a lot easier than you might think.

Multitasking

Multitasking, the ability to perform more than one activity simultaneously, is one of the catch phrases that is associated with our increasing appetite for electronics. The problem is that we do it badly. Even when we think we’re good at it, we’re not. (We’re pretty terrible at it, really.)

The reason why is biologically simple. Our brains were not built for juggling several overriding points of focus at the same time. We can be aware of several things at the same time but we concentrate on a single priority. It’s just the way we’re built.

Our brains can always learn and grow. So we can develop some skills in multitasking but the trade-off is that the quality of our work will be less that if we were focusing on just one task.

Addiction

Our use of technology stimulates parts of the brain that in turn, release the neurotransmitter, dopamine, into the pleasure centers of the brain. This is one feel-good chemical that always brings us back for more.

So like any addict, we keep repeating the behaviors that provide us with our dopamine fix.

And with each successfully completed cycle of action and reward, the positive reinforcement builds and expands. As with any addiction, what started out as an activity that provided pleasure, we want more of this good stuff. This pursuit eventually becomes the centerpiece in our Life.

Pain in the Neck and Other Places

Noticed how people tend to look down on their smartphones instead of holding them up to eye level? This stooped posture, as well as tucking their phones between their head and shoulder, wreak bio-mechanical chaos with the delicate structures of our necks.

The results? Headaches, numbness and tingling in arms and fingers, and neck pain, to name a few.

Also on the rise are instances of folks so preoccupied with their handheld that they forget how to walk (and fall) or distractedly walk into dangerous situations. Is it any wonder why several States prohibit the use of phones while driving?

Interpersonal Relations

Technology also has an estranging effect on our relations with our fellow human beings. We are becoming so distracted that we are losing some of our abilities to interact with each other effectively. Formerly common activities like engaging in conversation, with all of the non-verbal cues like eye contact, are becoming much harder to maintain because we don’t always have enough practice.

Finding Balance

The solution to these problems created by our technology use is fundamentally simple. We just need to unplug from all of our technology interests on a regular basis. Not cold turkey – just a modification of our daily routine.

This is not as scary as you might think. We just need to substitute new activities for some old habits. Whether it is reading a book or participating in your favorite sport, doing something unrelated to your virtual world is all that is needed. Finding non-technology interests provides some amazing benefits that bring us back for more.

One of my favorites is illustrated in a short film about a concept called Do Easy.

As you see, the technique is very reminiscent of some of the current mindfulness philosophies out today. The application however, is applied to your daily living.

Focus and attention are paid to the task in front of you. Performing common activities with thoughtfulness, with attention to performing them in the easiest fashion, takes us out of our thoughts and plants us firmly in the here and now.

This does not take any special training but it does require one thing. Practice.

By centering yourself on your Self and your surroundings, you learn to step away from all those really cool virtual worlds found in social media, gaming, whatever your preference. Instead, take a mini vacation to your real world around you here and now.

Both worlds remain intact for you to enjoy. So, enjoy!

What I’m trying to do is to at least raise a flag to the blinding light of technology.
– Godfrey Reggio