Social Media and Technology - The impact On Our Lives

Sometimes I do wish I was forced to turn off the phone or internet for a period of time just because I feel so lost without them. A vacation without technology would be interesting to say the least. How would we find the number to a local store, gas station, restaurant or place of entertainment? 

We have adopted and leaned on technology to much, the positive side of it is good, but it also brings a whole new level of other things with it. Thus, I prefer to use it as little as possible especially during breaks, have to force ourself to switch off. 

Though one. As you’ve said, there are many positives. Whilst on holiday you can check weather, check transport info and times, book activities and restaurants etc. So many positives of having tech to hand. But yes, there also comes the downside of making it harder to switch off and relax.

I guess it is your choice to answer the phone or check your work emails though!

I live and breathe technology. But I also believe in disconnecting periodically. Especially when it comes to my kids. I want them to experience the world as a whole and not just through a screen. We’re renovating and will be living off-grid (sort of as the adults still have to work) for 2 weeks. I told my kids to expect withdrawals from their Xbox and tablets. It will be interesting to watch them unhinge for a few days but they’ll find more time for hands on activities, talking to each other and just reconnecting with their surroundings. I do periodic tech fasts as I can and find that my productivity increases when I am both on the fast and when I go back because I spend less time on unimportant time wasters.

I’m also not on social media, besides Twitter, I left that awhile back. And I unabashedly judge my spouse every time I see Facebook. Cuz I’m mean. 😆

Balance is the key, I think. 

For me personally, if I go on holiday, I make a conscious effort to pay as little attention to technology (Primarily my mobile phone) as possible and will actively make sure I am focusing on the moment (as cheesy as that sounds). I don’t want my kid's memory of their family holiday to be of their dad on his phone the whole time. 

If you can, I genuinely recommend having a no phone day every now and then, it can be weird at first, but having that time away from a screen can be really fulfilling - there was a time before smart phones, and we all survived!

“there was a time before smart phones, and we all survived!” - Exactly and very well said. 

Yes. Good to see everyone trying to have tech free time. It’s hard though, but I think important. Those that have young children will now how much they see us on our devices and therefore will think it is normal to use them all the time. Makes it harder to take tech away from kids then!

Yes, balance is the key. No technology at the dinner table. Limit technology use during vacations and when spending time with friends and family, and purposely find things to do that do not involve technology!

Family time without tech is definitely important. We have the same rule at the dinner table although our daughter doesn’t like it!

“Limit technology use during vacations” come visit SA, and carry your phone to the beach, you will definitely have “limited” technology after that. :-) 

A Funny, yet sad statement at the same time!

We go to a pretty remote cabin for our family vacation every year, no internet and no cell phone service, it is nice to be forced to take a break sometimes, and even though we think we won't survive without it we always do and that is one of the things we now look forward to.