What might this person be drowning in? Have you ever been overwhelmed by technology? What advice would you offer a friend in this situation?
This picture really speaks to me. Throughout the spring months I was feeling completely overwhelmed between teaching, department chair duties, graduate classwork, and my family commitments, I was going non-stop. I feel like April-May-June have been a blur. During that time, I was also feeling very overwhelmed by my phone: text messages, Facebook, Instagram, etc. that I had to completely disconnect. I didn’t give any explanation. I just muted everything on my phone and made a point to keep my phone away from me during the day (and night).
When I look at this image, I am reminded of one of the elements from the Digital Citizenship assignment: Digital Health and Welfare. I reflected on my weaknesses in that area and the assignment timed perfectly with my recent “break” from my iPhone. A recent personal goal that I have set for myself is to spend less time on social media. I have spent years building an online presence through photography, art, and journalism. I have managed several blogs, photographed for NPR, IMP, and several other news outlets in D.C. The pressure to post everything 5 minutes ago is draining. Trying to stay current and relevant on social media is draining. This added to the fact that I teach online all day… is draining.
So, my advice to a friend going through a similar situation would be this:
- Mute your phone. Turn off all notifications and silence your ringer, at least for a set time during the day. I have all notifications turned off and my phone on silent. I will never go back!
- Charge your phone away from your computer desk, sofa, or bed. Use the time that your phone is charging to watch T.V., read a book, go for a walk or play with a pet or child at home.
- Set time limits or time frames for your phone usage. Schedule that time and adhere to the schedule. Balance is key.
Technology is amazing and so helpful. It makes our lives run more smoothly and efficiently. It can help keep us connected to friends around the world. It can help us grow and learn. However, too much of a good thing can ruin a good thing. Setting these limits and boundaries with our technology will help us to keep a healthy balance and ensure digital health and welfare!
One response to “Module 4 Reflection”
Hello Shantel, I think these are very helpful tips for avoiding the drain that media can have on one’s psyche. There are many obligations that we have to fill in life, and when we begin using technology to help cope with the stresses of life, we begin to blur the lines between recuperation and feeding stressors. The most helpful portions of your advice include the importance of simply disconnecting and stepping away from technology to rest, get fresh air, or pursue hobbies. In the late 90s and 2000s when I first learned to use computers as a child I always tried to remember that it all ended when you shut down the PC. I try to apply a similar mindset to my phone whenever I feel like I’ve had enough; silencing it and putting it on the charger whenever it’s time to do so.