Unplugging.

 

This video has been making its way around the Internet, and after watching it I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. I know I am so guilty of a number of these, and admittedly, I am the first to whip out my phone to capture any and every moment with my little ones, which in turn I send to Dad, family members, post to Instagram, Facebook... you know the drill. That's the great thing about technology, it makes it easy to feel connected to those around you, and it has absolutely changed the way we all communicate and stay in touch, but that all comes at a cost and we end up having a closer connection to our phone, than we do to those around us. 

While we might be documenting a memory to share years down the road, we are also documenting the minutia, instead of actually experiencing it. I have some 2,000 pictures and videos on my phone alone, all of just my kids, and probably 90% of that is something I will really never look at again. Don't even get me started on the compulsion to refresh my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest feeds. I saw on 60 Minutes, that each time you get a new piece of information, your brain lets out a small amount of endorphins, which is why scrolling through feeds is so addictive. I can say there are times I will be looking at my news feed, and it hits me that I just did the exact same thing two minutes ago. What could have possibly changed in two minutes? Nothing. Nothing at all. Yet, there I am, mindlessly doing it. 

I think it's all about finding a personal balance, and for me this is something that has been on my mind for the past few months. I've been trying really hard to leave my phone behind when I know I won't need to be reached, and even when I have it, I've been making it more difficult to reach for on auto pilot by putting it in the back seat, or zipping it into a concealed compartment in my bag. I've also deleted all games, and unnecessary apps, and put a lock on my home screen. I'm this close to deleting Facebook and Pinterest, thereby forcing me to wait until I get home to see my latest "news." When I am home, I try to leave my phone in the charging station, out of reach, with the volume on so I only pick it up when someone is trying to get ahold of me. These are small things, but together they have definitely helped me to decrease my own screen time, and do some very necessary unplugging. 

What about you all? I'd be interested to know your feeling on this, and what you do to avoid the trappings of the smart phone. Isn't that video so powerful? Good stuff.