FPOV co-founder Annette White-Klososky recently gave a TEDx Talk at the University of Central Oklahoma. At TEDxUCO, she pulls from her expertise in digital wellness to discuss the growing concern of digital addiction and its negative impact on our lives. She introduces the concept of digital wellbeing and provides actionable tips to help us achieve a healthier relationship with technology.
Below are some of the key insights from Annette’s talk.
The Problem: We Are in an Inappropriate Relationship with Our Screens
Annette admits her own struggles with excessive screen time. She describes how she fell in love with her devices – their humor, constant availability, and stimulation – but this love affair turned toxic very quickly. It started to interfere with her personal relationships, work focus, and overall well-being.
This toxic relationship with screens is a common problem in today’s world. Annette highlights a research study showing that 30% of employees fear missing out on emails if they unplug after the workday is over. This constant pressure to be connected is leading to many detrimental effects such as increased depression.
What is Digital Wellbeing and Why Do We Need It?
Digital wellbeing refers to achieving a healthy balance between using technology and taking care of our mental and physical health. Annette emphasizes that it’s not about restricting technology use entirely, but rather being intentional about how we use it.
The constant barrage of notifications and information disrupts our ability to focus and be present in all settings of life. Annette explains how our brains are not designed to handle this kind of overload. The prefrontal cortex of our brain, the area responsible for focus and decision-making, gets fatigued by the constant stimulation from blue-light screens. This fatigue can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and emotional disregulation.
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Taking Back Control: Practical Tips for Digital Wellbeing
Annette acknowledges the benefits technology brings to our lives; she emphasizes how crucial it is to set boundaries to avoid falling into unhealthy habits. Here are some of her practical tips:
- Identify your triggers: Notice how often you mindlessly reach for your phone. What situations or emotions lead to this behavior?
- Create a digital diet: Be intentional about what content you consume and for how long. Schedule screen-free time into your day.
- Designate devices: Assign specific purposes to different devices. For example, use your laptop for work and your phone for personal calls.
- Travel slow: Be present during your commute or downtime. Avoid multitasking with screens while traveling.
- Set boundaries with work: Don’t respond to emails or calls after work hours. Utilize tools that promote asynchronous communication.
- Practice mindful meetings: If you can’t fully focus on a meeting, don’t be in the meeting
- Prioritize sleep and personal connection: Address the root cause of your screen time. If you’re numbing difficult emotions, find healthier coping mechanisms.
Annette White-Klososky on Digital Wellbeing at TEDxUCO
Additional Insights and Strategies for Digital Wellbeing
In addition to Annette’s tips, here are some other strategies to consider for cultivating digital wellbeing on a day-to-day basis.
- Embrace technology-free zones: Create specific areas in your home or workplace that are off-limits for technology use. This could be your bedroom, the dinner table, or a designated relaxation area.
- Harness the power of nature: Spend time outdoors in nature. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost mood.
- Develop a mindfulness practice: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and less reactive to the urge to check your devices.
- Find healthy distractions: Replace screen time with activities you enjoy, such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.
- Be kind to yourself: Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Changing habits takes time and effort. Celebrate your progress and focus on making sustainable changes.
The Importance of Digital Wellbeing in Today’s World
Digital technology is an undeniable force in our lives. It offers numerous benefits for communication, learning, and productivity. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential downsides of excessive screen time. By prioritizing digital wellbeing, we can harness the power of technology while protecting our mental and physical health.
Taking control of your digital habits allows you to reclaim your time and attention. It can improve your focus, boost your creativity, and strengthen your relationships. Ultimately, digital wellbeing is about living a more intentional and fulfilling life. Evaluate your current relationship with technology. Are you in control, or is it controlling you?
At TEDxUCO Annette White-Klososky offers a wake-up call, urging us to cultivate a more mindful and balanced approach to technology use. Through her personal story, insightful statistics, and practical recommendations, Annette equips viewers with the tools they need to navigate the digital world effectively and safeguard their overall well-being.
About the Author
Chandler’s interest in marketing, sales, and technology drives her valuable contributions to Future Point of View’s marketing and business development initiatives. Chandler is currently enrolled at Oklahoma State University and serves as FPOV’s Marketing Intern. Connect with Chandler on LinkedIn.