Using Technology Wisely
Between news and controversy over AI, fights with children over devices and those pesky personal screen time notifications, “technology” can sometimes feel like a dirty word. However, it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips on how to harness technology to make it work for you, instead of the other way around.
Put Technology to Work
Though smart devices often cause distractions, the irony is that there are also options out there to combat the very problems technology has created. Here are some productivity apps to help you tackle some the most common technology issues:
Freedom is a free app in which you can set up distraction-free “sessions.” You can customize the duration, which websites/apps, and which devices are subject to the session, etc. It’s just one of many user-friendly distraction apps. Others include Opal, AppBlock, and Stay Focused, or even the Do Not Disturb feature on iPhones.
1Question is an app geared toward parents who want their children to earn screen time. Parents can block all or specific apps/categories on a tablet, for example, and then children must answer grade-level questions in order to accrue screen minutes. Some of the subjects are Math, Science, English and even Life Skills. You can adjust the Earn Rate as well to give them more or less time depending on how many questions they answer.
Screen-Free Days
Screen-free days are also a great way to break up the habit and expectation of having technology at our fingertips at all times. By creating specific screen-free days (i.e. Tuesdays and Thursdays, etc.), we learn that 1) we can, in fact, survive without a screen and 2) we discover the wonderful things that can occur when we’re unplugged from technology—yes, often bickering, but family connection too, imagination, creativity, and learning.
Media Fasts
Much like screen-free days, media fasts can be a longer planned abstinence from screens or maybe even just social media. You can customize it to your needs and family, but studies have shown that media fasts can reduce anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, increase sleep quality, and improve personal relationships. If you feel like you or your family could use a media detox, give a media fast a try. If a week seems too long, start small and work toward a longer goal.
Where Possible, Try Analog
Going offline like the “good old days” may seem inconvenient, but it can also free us from distractions and screen-dependence. Having an analog planner is a small step toward having a less distracted lifestyle. For example, all calendars, goals, grocery lists, to-do’s, and even journals, can be contained in one Golden Coil planner. Reading hard copy books and seeking out news from an actual newspaper can also make us more intentional about what we consume and stem the constant flow of information that we can be bombarded with on our screens.
Like anything, moderation is key. Technology may not be the villain, but it most certainly can be a distraction keeping us from achieving and connecting in better ways. Hopefully some of these tips are helpful in making technology a tool that works for you!