On/ Off Experiment
On/ Off Experiment
Over winter vacation, I took a four-day break from technology between Christmas and New Year’s. This included TV, my phone, my computer, and anything else with a screen. I wrote in my journal about the experience, and decided to do this experiment to see whether I was addicted to screens. I found the outcome deeply uncomfortable and enlightening. What made this possible was that I was with my entire family. Ordinarily, the responsibilities of daily life and my need to stay in contact with loved ones would make this impossible (I think).
During the first day without screens, time seemed to stretch endlessly. Winter days are usually short; however, time was behaving differently. Gaps that were usually filled by picking up my phone, watching TV, or having the background noise of music or a podcast were simply empty.
On the second day, I felt elated. I found freedom in the expanse of time in front of me. I began experimenting more with tactile materials and made handmade paper by soaking leftover Christmas wrapping paper in a plastic container in my shower.
On the third and fourth days, I was filled with anxiety and dread. What if somebody was trying to contact me? What if my lack of response to this nameless person was filling them with anger? What if I had received an email about something that required immediate attention? My brain would not stop cycling through these scenarios, and my body became shaky. Suddenly, the expanse of time in front of me was no longer inviting or playful.
This experiment taught me that I am not only reliant on technology for daily functioning, but that I have a physical dependence on it. It also revealed how time can feel when it is no longer structured and mediated by constant technological immersion. I want to continue to challenge myself to experience life without technology.
Wow, 4 days is a long time! I only lasted an hour…. It’s super interesting to see what you created during the silence. I wish I had your patience…
ReplyDeleteDear Mila,
ReplyDeleteHaving full-time away from technology seems like a big project to be done in modern days, since even for opening an apartment door or checking the weather nowadays is all on digital devices. It is interesting to physically experience the change in how time feels since many, including myself, learn about the concept of time being subjective, and the concept of time can impact our thought process and even the feel of time.
Thank you for sharing the project.