This is such a big, important topic. Where to start?
First, I remember being at a meeting on technology at your middle school or HS - not sure which - and they were talking about the importance of parental controls and I was like, Julie is my tech person. She’d have to create the controls so that’s not gonna work 👀😂
Second, I remember when you created my Facebook profile when you were 16?!?!
Not sure when I got hooked but I def relate to the dopamine hits and the checking and refreshing over and over, especially when I’m bored. 😑
So - here’s what I love about technology and some of my tools for balance:
- Instagram 1️⃣ I love seeing what my people are up to (miss the pics of Nolan with a 🥐 over his face! 2️⃣ I love keeping in touch with peeps all over the world
- Tools - I do have limits on IG and FB. No problem on the FB side but it’s HARD for me to stick to my limit with IG.
- I am currently keeping an eye on my time on the phone. Def could use less time…I’m watching and learning.
- I love my no phone adventures. This usually happens when I go hiking. I leave the phone in my bag and that gives me a few hours of freedom. And I will admit it feels like freedom.
So - I don’t have all the answers but def have a lot of questions.
I did read a really great book in 2019 - Digital Minimalism - by Cal Newport - that really got me thinking about quality interactions and the somewhat false sense of connection that liking someone’s post creates. I think that’s my struggle. I love the connection but is all this time “connecting” online robbing me of in person (includes phone and FaceTime) quality experiences with myself and others?
Julie, I loved reading every second of this, especially the extremely nostalgic graphics of the Internet of the 90s. I had forgotten about my first dabbles with Graphic Design on Microsoft Word and the incredible Windows screensavers!! hahaha
I also have to give you huge kudos on doing this during Severance! Your willpower is commendable, but truly you'll be so much happier in a few weeks.
I had to reckon with my own Wordle streak break when I first did my early version of this detox. But you know what? That was the best thing I could do bc I realized the streaks DO NOT MATTER!! They are so insanely mundane. What was I really chasing?!
You're doing great. I love hearing your progress. I can't wait to keep up with it over the next couple weeks!!
Thank you for reading, and of course thank you for putting this incredible detox together together <3. This was a joy to come back to during my designated "check substack comments" time (and there's something about the delayed gratification too. part of me is mortified I am ONLY seeing your comment now, but part of me knows my replies don't need to be instant to count).
I am missing Severance, but it's something to look forward too. TV time can be intentional, but I know its a massive time suck/trigger for me so cutting it out temporarily is absolutely best.
Re: wordle - I've already forgotten about it!!!! More excited about how much better I've already gotten with my crosswords. Excited to keep trucking
This is such a big, important topic. Where to start?
First, I remember being at a meeting on technology at your middle school or HS - not sure which - and they were talking about the importance of parental controls and I was like, Julie is my tech person. She’d have to create the controls so that’s not gonna work 👀😂
Second, I remember when you created my Facebook profile when you were 16?!?!
Not sure when I got hooked but I def relate to the dopamine hits and the checking and refreshing over and over, especially when I’m bored. 😑
So - here’s what I love about technology and some of my tools for balance:
- Instagram 1️⃣ I love seeing what my people are up to (miss the pics of Nolan with a 🥐 over his face! 2️⃣ I love keeping in touch with peeps all over the world
- Tools - I do have limits on IG and FB. No problem on the FB side but it’s HARD for me to stick to my limit with IG.
- I am currently keeping an eye on my time on the phone. Def could use less time…I’m watching and learning.
- I love my no phone adventures. This usually happens when I go hiking. I leave the phone in my bag and that gives me a few hours of freedom. And I will admit it feels like freedom.
So - I don’t have all the answers but def have a lot of questions.
I did read a really great book in 2019 - Digital Minimalism - by Cal Newport - that really got me thinking about quality interactions and the somewhat false sense of connection that liking someone’s post creates. I think that’s my struggle. I love the connection but is all this time “connecting” online robbing me of in person (includes phone and FaceTime) quality experiences with myself and others?
Julie, I loved reading every second of this, especially the extremely nostalgic graphics of the Internet of the 90s. I had forgotten about my first dabbles with Graphic Design on Microsoft Word and the incredible Windows screensavers!! hahaha
I also have to give you huge kudos on doing this during Severance! Your willpower is commendable, but truly you'll be so much happier in a few weeks.
I had to reckon with my own Wordle streak break when I first did my early version of this detox. But you know what? That was the best thing I could do bc I realized the streaks DO NOT MATTER!! They are so insanely mundane. What was I really chasing?!
You're doing great. I love hearing your progress. I can't wait to keep up with it over the next couple weeks!!
Thank you for reading, and of course thank you for putting this incredible detox together together <3. This was a joy to come back to during my designated "check substack comments" time (and there's something about the delayed gratification too. part of me is mortified I am ONLY seeing your comment now, but part of me knows my replies don't need to be instant to count).
I am missing Severance, but it's something to look forward too. TV time can be intentional, but I know its a massive time suck/trigger for me so cutting it out temporarily is absolutely best.
Re: wordle - I've already forgotten about it!!!! More excited about how much better I've already gotten with my crosswords. Excited to keep trucking
You inspired me to get a physical crossword book. I love crosswords! Why didn’t I think of this!