Put That Phone Down!
Introduction
In a time where constant connectivity through mass media projections our relationship with nature and the outside world is overshadowed by screens, notifications, and media traffic. Whether watching too much TV, using my phone, or playing video games, I find myself spending too much time doing so and relying on that entertainment. I’ve noticed, especially recently, that this overstimulation of media has caused me to undervalue things I used to appreciate more. For my project, I will explore a digital detox for the semester and analyze the effects of what happens when we intentionally disconnect from technology to reconnect with the natural world around us. Over the course of the semester, I used the 1 Second Everyday app to document my experience of putting the phone down through nature-based activities, like snowboarding and hiking, as well as capturing other experiences that involve just getting out of the house. I also wanted to take this time to challenge myself not only physically by running and exercising more, but also mentally by learning new skills such as the guitar. By stepping away from screens and into the open, I aimed to better understand the impact of technology on my attention, mental well-being, and sense of connection to both myself and my environment.
Analysis
From watching my video, my clips have a lot to do with interactions and experiences that come from staying off devices such as phones, TVs, and laptops. My goal was to analyze the effects of interacting with less media than I normally would on a daily basis. “We allow the media to condition us to form all kinds of habits that consume our time and money. While some of these habits may be beneficial to us, others are not”(Potter, 2020). From limiting my use of technology, I found that my mental health as well as my focus became noticeably better. I also noticed that my brain was a lot less foggy, and I wouldn’t get caught in unnecessary loopholes on the internet anymore. Being able to direct the time that I would spend scrolling or watching TV to doing something productive, even if it is just going to a friend's house, made a huge difference in my daily life.
One of the biggest things I noticed from running this experiment was the bonds I was able to create with other people, such as friends and family. From going out snowboarding, to having a fire, or playing with the dogs, I strengthened my relationships with the people I care about. Even from constructing this video, it is something I can look back on with them to remember. Without the interference of constant notifications or the pull to check my phone, I was fully present with people in my life.
From tracking my steps, runs, and screen time throughout the semester, I also found my physical health taking a step forward. Each day, when I would get the urge to be a couch potato and not do anything productive, I would go for a run, go to the gym, or do some other physical activity to get my mind off of technology. At first, this took some getting used to, especially as I am not a runner, but after a while, I started noticing workouts getting easier and easier as a result of my continuous work. This started to affect my overall screen time and daily phone pickups. I started to notice each week my use, although still pretty significant, was decreasing overall.
I also used this time to start learning more about playing the guitar. At first, when I started playing, prior to this experiment, I would barely play 15 minutes a day and never play 7 days a week. But with the free time that I had, I started to play at a much more consistent pace and level, ultimately elevating my playing skills. Getting out and going to shows too also increased my passion for playing which helped with getting over humps in my technique that I used to just get stuck on and quit. The joy of discovering new music and pushing myself musically felt like a major win, one that would have been much less likely if I had continued spending hours passively consuming content online.
Reflection
“Many people say that the solution to this discomfiting level of personal-data collection is simple: if you don’t like it, just opt out” (Vertesi, 2014). Reflecting on this project, I’ve realized how powerful it can be to step back and evaluate the role media plays in our daily lives. Through intentionally limiting my screen time, I was able to reconnect with not only the people around me but also with parts of myself that often get pushed aside. For example, my physical health, creativity, and overall mental clarity. What started as an experiment to unplug developed into a deeper understanding of how media consumption shapes my everyday habits, attention, and sense of fulfillment. This project helped me apply media literacy on a personal level, not just by analyzing media messages, but by critically observing my own patterns and making more mindful choices around media. A big thing that popped out to me during this experiment was that I could never go completely without media. Sometimes it was me using the tuning app for guitar, YouTube videos to learn how to play better, apps to track my running, maps to take me from point A to point B, or just even using my phone to text or call friends/family. I learned that I can’t and don’t need to eliminate technology completely, but by creating boundaries, I can get back time for things that truly matter to me. In a world where the media is an “ever-changing electronic environment and communication cornucopia surrounding us.” designed to capture as much of our attention as possible, this experience has shown me the value of paying attention to your intention and how doing so can lead to a more present, connected, and meaningful life (NAMLE).
References
- NAMLE. (n.d.). Media literacy defined. https://namle.org/resources/media-literacy-defined/
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- "Opting Out" (Vertesi, 2014)
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- Potter, W. J. (2020). Media Literacy. SAGE.
“Media in this assignment has been compiled for educational purposes.”