Have you ever gone on a tech fast?
I’ve always got a chuckle out of those who go on tech fasts. Not because I think they’re silly, but the over generalization of the definition. While on a tech fast, many enjoy indoor plumbing, automobiles, books and newspapers.
I know I’m being a little facetious, but I think it’s a good idea to keep these kinds of things in perspective, if for any reason, for us not to become too dogmatic on our stance towards the use of technology.
Generally, most tech fasts include the absence of television, video games, computers and mobile devices. A tech fast usually looks something like this:
[tentblogger-vimeo 54264608]
(If you’re wondering why this video was produced so well, it’s because the producer is one of my best friends in the world. I’m just sayin’.)
Although this is an interesting look at what a tech fast is like, I would be more curious to know what it’s like after more than just a day.
How about a whole year?
Maybe not even just tech, how about not using the Internet?
In my case, I would rapidly run out of money and my children would starve, so obviously this isn’t possible. What I find the most intriguing about this concept, is finding out the contrast between our tech driven, Internet connected, social media lives that we all lead.
That’s exactly what The Verge wanted to know, so they paid Paul Miller not to use the Internet for an entire year.
Here’s how it was going last Summer, but what’s more interesting than that, is Paul just finished up his full year stint this year. It’s an incredibly insightful read and I probably learned more reading about his experience than if I had done a tech fast for myself.
I may need to read through the entire offline series, it’s pretty awesome.
Have you ever been on a tech fast?
What did you learn?
Jonathan Ober says
I am a freelance website designer/developer, working from home with a wife and two kids. I have set some guidelines for my phone/computer/tablet time that go as such…and for the most part I am a stickler for the rules but as always I am human and fail.
1. No device at the dinner table (that even goes for my instagram-ing wife)
2. Limit or no devices from 5-8/830 when the kids are home for dinner and up to bed time (most difficult to do)
3. If I am not driving with the family the device is off and I am talking with my wife and kids or we are singing along on the radio.
4. I try and do one weekend a month without working or using my laptop. Going a day without opening the laptop is hard but refreshing when I can do it.
5. Phone at church is for tweeting @CalvaryChurchPA or @CSM_Tweets only.
6. Waking up with my kids and getting them ready for school is more important than any game, email or facebook status I could make.
7. Take ‘mind snapshots’ of my kids playing and going through life, not facebook photos.
8. Put the phone down and get stuck in a sliding board or tube at the playground…the kids will remember that more than if I sit on the sidelines and use my phone.
These are all hard to follow, especially when I am tired and just want to veg out…but I realize the importance of being a husband and daddy first and foremost and a freelance designer/developer waaaaaaaaay last. 🙂
Eric Dye says
THIS.
Would you mind if we wrote a post around your guidelines? (giving credit of course)
This is awesome stuff.
Jonathan Ober says
Eric,
Thanks for the reply. I would be delighted to be written about 🙂 Thanks.
Jerrod Burris says
I must agree with Eric – might I also use this (aka link to it on churchm.ag)? This is AWESOME!
Jonathan Ober says
If it blesses others have at it. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any other questions. I will first and foremost say that this is not an overnight habit change over…it’s a daily working through selfishness to selflessness especially in regards to my wife and kids. It can be tough to give up the ‘need’ to post a status, check a score or news article, etc. I hope I am doing the best I can, though I know I can always do better. Spread the tips like wildfire and hopefully this can help the dads and husbands out there.
Andy says
Those guidelines are good. Thanks for sharing!