When was the last time you had a real conversation with someone? When was the last time your appreciated someone instead of hitting the like button for their photo on a social networking site?
If it has been so long that you can’t find an answer to this question, then you should blame it all on technology. In fact, it would be better to say that it’s the fault of your smartphone addiction.
Research reveals that 64% of the adults in the USA own smartphones and 67% of them have a tendency to check their phones even if it is not ringing or vibrating. Such is the dependency or addiction the modern world has to their smartphones.
It is taking away what is unique only to the Homosapien’s – humanity! Today, humans, especially in metropolitan cities are nothing more than machines who work on machines and interact with the same.
Cabela’s Disconnect Day – Justin Moore’s “What a Wonderful World”
So what can be done to get back to being humans with emotions and sensations? The best way to do that is to observe a Disconnect Day. Choose a day to stay away from technology and spend some quality time, with yourself and your family.
Step out! Before you do that, promise to yourself that you’ll stay offline and that your smartphone will be nothing more than a camera to store memories for a lifetime.
There are many things outside the virtual world, that is far better and worth your time. Instead of reading a post by a friend, read a nice book at a park and discover what you have been missing!
Say hello to nature and listen to the sound of birds instead of recorded messages. Since you have seen enough of Twitter, try bird watching. I’m sure you will find it far more refreshing than the former.
You may know a lot of people through LinkedIn but getting to know someone over an interesting barbecue breakfast is an amazing feeling. Trust me; you will establish a stronger link this way.
You may be part of many online communities, but do you know how it feels to bond with people in a community bonfire? Make a plan to meet your favorite person instead of scheduling a facetime meeting.
It is shocking to know that an American child spends an average of 7 hours per day with electronics and 93 million selfies are taken per day. This is probably why most people don’t know their family members as well as an app on their smartphone.
Think about it. If you feel, this needs to change then take a pledge to disconnect for a day. Feel the difference and she your experience on social media with hashtag #MyDisconnectDay.
Visit mydisconnectday.com to take the pledge.
Infographic transcript:
How to disconnect for a day?
We use technology more than ever.
64% of American adults own a smartphone and it serves as an essential connection to the world of online information.
But is this too much?
67% of cell owners find themselves checking their phone for messages, alerts, or calls – even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
Disconnect for a day and spend social minutes outdoors. But before you head out, organize a group pledge using social media. Take your smartphone along for the journey, but stay offline. Use your phone just to capture memories of the day.
A Normal Day | A Disconnected Day |
We spend 42 minutes per day on Facebook. | Get outside and read. Find a peaceful lake or local park. ” Face A Book”. |
We spend 21 minutes per day on Instagram. | Go camping and indulge in s’mores. “Insta Graham”. |
We spend 17 minutes per day on Twitter. | Set your sights on birdwatching. “Tweet, Tweet”. |
We spend 10 minutes per day on LinkedIn. | Take your meal outside. A barbecue breakfast powers up the day. “Links In”. |
We log in to phones, devices, and computers every single day. | Attend a community bonfire. “Log In”. |
15 to 20 million Facetime calls are made per day. | Cozy up together under the stars. “Face Time”. |
93 million selfies are taken on Android phones per day. | Bring in a fresh catch for dinner. “Selfie”. |
Take the pledge.
When you’re ready to reconnect…
- Share photos with hashtag #MyDisconnectDay
- Tell others about your experience on social media
7 Hours – the average time American children spend in front of electronic screens daily.
Disconnect for a day and see things differently.