by Dennis Powell, e-Management
Are you more focused on your online or social media world than your in-person communications and interactions? (Photo Credit: blog.doctoroz.com)
Let’s keep it real. Many of us are addicted to e-mail, social media, and all things Internet. If you think you are not obsessed with online technology, think about what life would be like if wireless networks went down and you had to live without your tablets (iPad, Google, Windows, Samsung, etc.) or mobile phones (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, etc.) for a few days. *add horror show music here* 
Sure Internet-enabled technology has its benefits, including quick access to family members, lower cost for long distance communications; portable music, literature, and movies; and instant access to information about virtually any topic. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks. The online world may lead some of us to experience feelings of depression or anxiety. Then there is the fact that everything on the Internet is essentially traceable—leaving users vulnerable to online spies, con artists, or predators.
Tips to Unplug from the Internet, Apps, Games, or Social Media
The capacity for others to see our most intimate online communications is a little too “Big Brother” for my taste. Add to that, online communications can be extremely demanding on your time. So, I got to thinking. Are there ways people can unplug to become better connected to old fashion human interaction? Are they tricks to protect users from Internet surveillance or online predators? So I pulled together this short tip list.
- Try logging off for a weekend: Personally, Monday through Friday is the time I am most connected via mobile phone, text messaging, social media, and the Internet for work and personal use. During the weekends, I have essentially put in place an online moratorium. As a result, my weekends are free from various Internet interruptions and I can spend time with people who are dearest to me. In addition, I discourage the use of tech devices with the exception of the occasional camera phone when I am with my family and friends.
- Try blocking off time away from the Internet, online games, and mobile devices: Think about it, many parents limit their children’s access to television as a way to provide balance in their kids’ lives. Try using the same concept when it comes to your mobile devices and online communications (texting, social media, games, apps). If a weekend is too long for you to be offline, consider establishing a weekly or bi-monthly family and friend’s night out. Turn off the phones and Internet devices and keep them in “airplane” mode so that you are disconnected from the web, and can now focus on meaningful connections with loved ones.
- Learn how to protect your online privacy: ZDNet, an online tech resource, offered up several lines of protection from online spies including getting rid of social media altogether, turning off all GPS-tracking apps, and quit texting. These recommendations may seem draconian; but these simply activities will reduce how much private information you place on the Internet, making you less vulnerable to spies and hackers.
- Create a plan to limit one’s time online: A recent study by Anxiety UK, revealed more than 50% of people surveyed by the organization said they saw their lives change negatively with their increasing online interactions. As it turns out, too much online interaction may lead to online fights; may promote the perception that the user is less capable, attractive, or appealing than others online; and may lead to forms of anxiety. These are compelling reason to limit one’s online time. Try blocking off time for online communications and setting an alarm, which notifies you of when it’s time to “unplug.”
All about Balance
It’s kind of scary when you think about how connected we are to Internet-enabled communications and the impact it can have on our emotions and our very existence. Still, online communication is clearly an enjoyable experience for many of us. So, (1) What tips do you have to maintain a healthy online/offline balance? (2) Does online communication make us more social or anti-social? (3) What are some of the things about mobile devices and their users that drive you crazy?
Tags: Android, , apps, Dennis Powell, , gaming, , iPad, iPhone, Nokia, Ola Sage, Samsung, smartphone, Social Media, tablet, unplugging
The big tip I have is this: Do not take anyone you care about for granted. They need your presence and if that is not possible, they need to hear your voice or read a hand written letter from you. We are still the same species with needs and a yearning for attention from those we love or those whom we think care for and about us. This is how you maintain a healthy balance. Non verbal communication only takes a relationship so far. It is limited.
I am convinced that on line communication is deceptive in that it makes us feel as if we are connected to so many others. Yet, check out how difficult it is to actually physically meet some of those same persons who live in the same proximity as us!
The difficulties in getting some of my ‘connected’ friends actually speak to me is maddening. Sigh.
I personally feel connected to my online people–so, I felt the need to be online ALOT. But, what I have recently done is exchange numbers with a few people that I “check on” every day via social media. When I get busy, we check-in with each other over the phone. I also deleted some apps from my phone (sounds crazy because social media is a big part of my profession). I only use the desk top version for work. I have some things going on that need my focus and deleting some social apps helps TREMENDOUSLY. I actually feel normal just logging on periodically throughout the day instead of having my notifications blowing up constantly. lol
This summer I made it a point to work on my “offline” relationships. It really had nothing to do with on- or offline, but a personal decision to have better relationships. Some of my “online” peeps are now accountability partners and we actually talk on the phone at least once a week. I’m a proponent of positive relationships no matter where they are initially developed.
What drives me crazy is when someone doesn’t use the phone for more than just talking. I mean, with all the capabilities of mobile devices these days, there is no reason to not have better (AND more fun) relationships with people. I think it can actually add a more social element to your “offline” relationships. Photos, videos, play games with one another. Mobile devices make things way more interactive and you can have a shared experience with friends without having to actually be on social media.
My biggest tip. ….removing notifications and/or muting their sounds. That “alert” can make you feel the urge to respond, like an alarm clock, a school bell, or the “supper bell” from the porch of a farm house. Your #2 is a great idea and is adaptable as an individual, family or group, particularly during meals or other fellowship times.
This is a GREAT article Dennis and I couldn’t agree MORE. As someone who has MULTIPLE businesses and they are all connected to social media in one way or another, I can ALWAYS rationalize to myself the “NEED” for being connected at all times. But the truth of the matter is, is that I actually don’t. I have created a calendar in which I spend certain days and hours doing “social” media type activities, answering e-mails, responding to comments, and sometimes even blogging. I do this so that I can also have dedicated days and times when I am NOT tethered to a computer, laptop, and/or notepad. Plus… I get to focus on people that are in my immediate space/vicinity and engage with them one on one instead of just texting and/or IMing each other.
There MUST be a balance.
This article is well needed; let me first thank you for writing.
I appreciate modern technology, however, I can’t wrap my mind around all these forms and different kind of cancers that we are hearing about today and I do believe most are man-made based on what we eat or use. Let me explain…It’s hard for me to use phones or any technology devices in my ear because I think about the amount of radioactive discharge and waves going through my body. For that reason, I find myself texting, Skype, face time etc. with the new found modern ways of technology devices.
However, I limit myself how much of the devices I use, I don’t buy online, fear of my identity and information being stolen, I drive to the bank to deposit checks rather than taking a picture with my phone, I don’t bring up any personal banking or information on my phone, but only on my laptop or computer and my wifi connection is very private and not made public.
My children are not allowed to have any technology at our dinner table, we spend dinner time to talk and get up to speed and things we might have missed during the week, simple because we are a household working family. It’s about self control and not allowing technology to take over your full life. My son started a tradition this year with my in laws which is amazing, instead of calling his grandma on the phone because they live half the year in Alaska, he start writing letters and she love it.
I am personally grateful for technology, but within limits, I remember going on nine years now since I got rid of cable to control what my children watch, and yes I have HULU and Netflix which is also controlled. I believe if someone lives under my roof where I make the decision, then they need to obey my rules.
Everything in life is about self control and how we condition our minds to take that power! Technology is great but it can also be our worse enemy, we see that over and over daily, in the news etc. hackers are on rampage. I unfortunately have a large family, in 32 States in this Country and 3 Continent, texting and WhatsApp does great things for my life.
Great conversation and article.
Like with any thing in life there should be a balance. Too much of anything can be harmful including the internet/social media. One thing that keeps me from being on so much is my acting. There isn’t time to be online when you are studying lines, learning a character etc. Hobbies are a lost art and social media has become that for some individuals. I think you have to know your situation as everyone is different. I too have family that live in other places. I am the only one who lives in DC. So social media does help especially when you are able to see pictures or video chat with love ones. I agree that having other non social media connected activities is a good way to keep from being an online junkie.
Awesome article.
Thank you for an informed article Dennis. It is about balance as you so rightly put it. A great medium for connecting & sharing and it has made the world smaller & more accessible. Apart from the obvious uses I tend to be online for email, organising home life, shopping, work & some social. I do not use social media whilst at work but do enjoy logging on to chat to friends but this tends to be my evening time & I multi task alongside. I never sit at a laptop or computer, in the main its my phone & on the go. However I won’t be on my phone in actual face to face interaction, which I still prefer. I enjoy chat but nothing beats a voice chat/call/visit. I am a touchy feely person & adore human contact. I can see the place for tech but in its place ! I embrace the positives & see the uses especially in modern science/medical advances but I would still love to receive a hand written note, card or letter.
Thanks for the reminder! As a technology professional I’m plugged in constantly it seems. However, recently I’ve seen the ugly side in this tradeoff businesses are creating with a false sense of work life balance. We are offered tools to work and operate remotely under the disguise of creating more time with family. The reality is its creating the opposite… your physically home and mentally at work, the stress is increased because youre in work mode when you should be in family mode. Turning the work you off takes more time as we don’t really ever decompress. I’m confident of all the benefits but I’m quickly learning the double edged sword of them as well. I now call it people tethering LOL. Great topic as always!
Well written I need to unplug here especially on weekends. However my first step is I now turn off my phone when I go to bed. A major step in the right direction.
@Dilworth E Daley, I like your approach. Thank you for stopping by.
@Melissa Quick, Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective around the topic of unplugging. I think I will be using “people tethering” in future conversations AND maybe even in a future blog posting.
@Fauzia B Karim, Thank you for stopping once more. Like you, I avoid having my phone when I am having offline interactions. It’s been my experience that people appreciate when I give them my undivided attention. The exception is usually when I am using my phone as a camera to capture a moment.
@Brian Hamlett, I agree that social media can and does play positive roles in relationships. I also agree that each person is different and should find her or his “balance” that brings about the best result. Thank you for stopping by and adding your thoughts.
@Tamara Hamil, very thoughtful response. Kudos to your son for adopting the tradition of written letters.
Regarding your comments around self-control, I agree that technology can have an addicting effect on many…so, I believe it may be especially important for power-users to define times when they are committed to being “unplugged.”
My “unplug” time is usually the weekends. I try to see family and close friends during that time rather than texting or interacting through social media.
Like you, I have loved ones oversees….so WhatsApp and Kik apps have been amazing ways to keep in touch with them. Frankly, I don’t miss the $300-$400 phone bills for overseas long distance calls.
Thanks again for supporting the e-Management blog.
@Tyrone Spencer, I agree busy people in the 21st century seem to find a myriad of reasons to ALWAYS being connected. I like your approach to unplugging. Thank you for supporting the e-Management blog once more.
@Michael Smith, Keeping the phone and other mobile devices on silent during “me” or “family” times is a great way to recharge from a long day or to focus on loved ones. Thank you for returning to and supporting the e-Management blog.
@Jamie Triplin,
Great to get a social media professional’s perspective on this topic. I agree if one spends $600 for the latest and greatest smartphone…maybe she/he may want to learn about all of the great things it can do. Still, I think some people are suspicious of apps that collect a lot of information about users…that could be why people limit what they use their smartphones for…
As always, thank you for returning to this blog and adding your thoughts.
@Keith Yearwood, I appreciate your take on the reality that some online relationships may seem intimate, but are really superficial. Good observation. Like you, I prefer in person interactions. I, however, must admit I am happy that the Internet has made it easier to keep in touch with family and friends who live abroad. Thank you for being the first to leave a comment and for providing thoughtful response.
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!