I read an article recently about a young man who took a technology vacation. I can’t recall where I read it or a lot of the details, but the basic idea was that he unplugged himself from most technology for about two months. He didn’t check email; he suspended his Facebook and Twitter memberships. He didn’t use his cell phone (he used a public phone if he really needed to call someone.) He didn’t surf the Internet or watch TV.
What this young man found was that over those sixty days, he made more REAL connections with people. Instead of texting a friend, he’d go visit. Instead of Facebooking, he’d have people over for dinner for real face time.
I’ve been in a similar position lately. With sketchy access to the Internet now that I’m not sitting in front of a computer all day, I check my email far less frequently and I’m online in general a lot less. Sunday, I sat down and wrote three letters — something almost unheard of in this day of cheap phone calls and texting and email.
I really kind of like it. I like being unplugged from technology and plugged into people. I have more energy for face time. I get more accomplished at home. I spend time reading or knitting instead of starting at a screen.
What about you? Could you survive without your tech communication? How would your life be different?
