We are so reliant on technology in our everyday life, so much that they augment our bodies, enhancing our senses as just as how glasses, prosthetics and even clothing have done, in some ways, we are cyborgs with "enhanced capabilities". As students technology is beneficial for conducting research, even most of our assignments are done online with technology, like this very blog post I am writing. A world without technology, most of us today can hardly imagine what would happen if we went a day without technology.
According to a study conducted from the National Bureau of Economic Research by Scott Wallsten, the time spent and the share of the population engaged in online leisure is increasing. We are also often encouraged to spend time off technology and have some quality social activities with out close friends and families. However, I prefer spending my days off alone. Technology is invented to improve the our lives, yet at the same time we are exhausted by it, we adhere to the time of the technology pervasive and fast paced world instead of the "normal" rhythms we once had. Technology made communication more convenient especially with those who are not present at the same space and time with you. Being constantly connected on social media sites, keeping up to date with the activities of online friends and followers, maintaining these connections have begun to take a toll on us, both physically and mentally, in other words we are experiencing social media fatigue.
As an introvert, socializing is draining, regardless if it was physical or online-mediated forms of communications, therefore I would interpret a day without technology as being disconnected from everyone. While it may be nice to have a companion, I enjoy wandering around alone, through the city of Prague, cycling through the quiet countrysides of Japan, randomly hopping on and off trains in Malaysia. Recently, I took a solo trip around central Europe, a spontaneous idea without a plan. It was nice to take a breath once it a while, away from social media and emails, away from the people around me. Although it may sound cliché, it was a good opportunity to have a good look at the things we hardly take notice off, from the crack on the streets to watching strangers, even looking for constellations in the night sky.
Truthfully speaking, those moments were not completely technology free, I had my bicycle, took public transportation, almost always have a camera with me and most importantly my phone never leave my side. Although I mentioned that these days meant time away from others, we are still afraid of not being able to get in touch with other in case something were to happen. Taking photos is a hobby of mine, it's a leisure activity which requires a technological device. Photography can also lead to the visual and cognitive overload, the cornucopia of colours we see on social media that could influence how we perceive our environment, they are part of what contributes to the stress we experience online, yet we enjoy creating new images. It is indeed a conflicting mentality, fear of communication as well as the lost of connection from the outside world; creating images while escaping those on social media.
Can we really get rid of technology from our lives today? Personally, I think it is challenging as we are constantly surrounded by it even if we decide to rid ourselves of it. Recognizing what is happening around us is essential in coping with technology fatigue and finding a balance in our use of technology, consider our priorities and stay connected with those who matter most to you.
References
Neitz, K. (2018) "How Tech is Making Us Tired", Lafayette, March 17. Available at: https://news.lafayette.edu/2018/03/17/how-tech-is-making-us-tired/ ( Accessed: 9 May 2019 )
Rana, Z. (2018) "How Technology Controls Your Life and What to Do About It", Medium, November 17. Available at: https://medium.com/personal-growth/how-to-develop-a-healthier-relationship-to-technology-6b2e22aab54 ( Accessed: 9 May 2019 )
Schroeder, H. (2018) "What Would Life Be Like Without Technology?", Tiger Times, November 16. Available at: https://ehstigertimes.com/5810/features/what-would-life-be-like-without-technology/ ( Accessed: 9 May 2019 )
Sputnik International. (2017) "Click and Tired: Social Media Overuse Takes a Physical Toll, Study Finds", October 11. Available at: https://sputniknews.com/science/201710101058117852-social-media-gets-you-tired/ ( Accessed: 9 May 2019 )
The Medical Futurist. (2019) "From Human To Cyborg: Are You Willing To Augment Your Body?", March 30. Available at: https://medicalfuturist.com/from-human-to-cyborg/ ( Accessed: 9 May 2019 )
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