Why? Because turning off our smartphones replenishes our relationships with ourselves, each other and the planet.
ALWAYS-ON FACT
Using a tablet or smartphone to stream just one hour of video, uses the same amount of electricity, at the data-centre end, as two new fridges…!!
Hang on, let us just send a text before we write this. Ok…done…now you have our partial attention.
Let’s start with the planet: Surreptitiously, wireless networks and devices have pervaded our lives and become energy-consuming monsters! The endless streams of data that we view, save and exchange - photos, videos, emails, music, messages - stealthily hoover up colossal amounts of power. It’s wireless connectivity and the distant mega data-centres, which our devices are in constant, energy-intensive communication with, that we’re really talking about here. With insatiable demand expected to triple in the next 10 years, and digital consumption set to overtake aviation in emissions, environmentally we are literally streaming ourselves alive. Damn.
Now each other: Apparently, being collectively glued to rectangular screens, compulsively scrolling, doesn’t fulfill our deeply human need for connection. We feel loved when we are given attention, it’s really as simple as that. So let’s give it. No amount of click-induced dopamine can match that.
And ourselves: Unhook, even for a little while, and our stress literally starts to fall away - the FOMO, social anxiety, information overload, for starters.
Ok got it. So how do I take action?
This one is mostly about making us more conscious of just how much we are ‘always on’. It’s no wonder though that we find it hard to put our devices down when sophisticated neuroscience and ‘persuasive tech’ is hijacking our brains to make us want more. But we don’t have to be manipulated and held in its thrall.
So let’s take charge. It’s really simple (in theory).
This festive season, agree on Message-less Mealtimes (reasons cited above) with everyone playing by the same rules. If you already do this at mealtimes, you could up the ante.
When you gather to eat, turn phones OFF. Not on airplane mode, not on silent, OFF. There is a big psychological difference - somehow switching off, really does switch us off.
And leave your phones in another room, otherwise you’re not truly free.
Sit down to lunch or dinner.
Talk.
By the way, there’s lots more we can do here in terms of ‘smart’ usage, a separate action dedicated to that to come.
But will it cost me more money?
Nope, it’ll almost certainly make our lives richer. Maybe not immediately, amongst the clamour of objections. But in time, undoubtedly.
We…
Aimee: I want to cry.
Sonia: I’m cool with this. I hate it when someone else is busy checking messages when I’m with them. At last, I get their full attention and it can be all about me.
“We’re social animals, not social media animals.
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Photo: Alexa Suter