It’s needless to say that technological advancements in the last decade have been incredible. We now have the freedom to access a mass pool of information, readily available in our back pocket. In this increasingly connected world, there is an interdependence between our everyday studies, social relationships and technology. It’s even beginning to shape our culture and the way we communicate on a personal and professional level.
So the rapidly changing digital age is upon us, and in a 24 hour digital world, experts are concerned about the sheer amount of time we spend using technology. An average person checks their phone an astonishing every six and a half minutes, collectively amounting to 200 times a day! 1 in 4 of us admits to spending longer online each day than we do asleep, while the vast majority of us say that we would struggle to go a whole day without our phones or computers.
As I write at my desk, I am surrounded by potential procrastination triggers – a sight all too familiar with students. But picture this; without the distractions of your television, smartphone and tablet, refraining from using electronic devices means you are well on your way to acing that essay. Okay, the reality is a little dull, but looking at the bigger picture, the implications of extensively using technology, such as social media, are clear to see. I spent a day with no laptop, mobile phone, television, tablets, music devices – objects with multiple functions that I depend upon daily. While I found it incredibly difficult to adapt to and it hit me hard to the point where I was left feeling unfulfilled, I also came to realise a great sense of freedom which comes from alleviating the pressures associated with technology.
So why should you try a Digital Detox (or simply reduce your time online)?
Social interaction – Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Text messaging and Skyping are all relatively new communication methods which have become integral to our social lives. Although socialising on such platforms can enhance social relationships, we could be missing out on old fashioned, real life engagement, which can open up many more doors than just sitting at your desk.
Stress reduction – The pressures and anxieties derived from technology are unnecessary. Cutting down time spent posting and engaging in social media can help reduce stress-related illness. Being constantly wired up not only takes up a significant amount of our time, it can also potentially have problematic effects your studies if you don’t get the balance right.
Health – Because, (not so) surprisingly, getting off your backside and exercising can have substantial health benefits – promise! Studies have found that there is a direct relationship between sitting down to use electronic devices and risk of bad health. Staring at your laptop screen can also have long term effects on your sight if overdone.
Environment – Here at Nottingham we are the greenest and most eco-friendly campus in the world. Switching off can be a small step towards improving your footprint and living out those university values!
Opportunity cost – A business term, appropriate in almost all of life’s situations and especially in this context. With every hour you spend stalking your ex on Facebook, you’d be surprised how much of this time could be spent on something a little more useful in the physical world! If you start to think like this, then you will start doing things with intent rather than habit. Kicking nasty habits will allow you to free time in your daily life and improve your study/life balance significantly. Try it!
If the thought of a complete Digital Detox is entirely out of reach for you, why not try implementing small steps such as switching your phone off at mealtimes and talking to your flatmates, or reducing the time spent watching Netflix and replacing it with a good book. If tech related procrastination is becoming an issue there is also free software available which blocks websites whilst you’re studying, such as Cold Turkey for Windows and Self Control for Mac.
Technology is integral to everyday life as a student and in the world of work, but I urge anybody to follow my footsteps and detach themselves for at least one day and appreciate the value of technology for yourself.
Have a story to tell of how technology has affected you? Let us know!
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20140407/sitting-disease-faq
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/computer-eye-strain-symptoms-and-solutions
Image Source: Hannah Shepperd
Edited by Amelia Bauer