"We live in a digital world, but we're fairly analog creatures." - Omar Ahmad
In the past two decades, technology surely has proliferated. From countless tech companies to the tech itself, the competition is huge; so is the demand. We went from needing several big heavy equipment to owning it all in a compact house of metal and glass.
There's no need to have an extra camera, with a little cell phone in one pocket, and a laptop in your bag. No need for a well-made wristwatch. You have it all in the palm of your hands, and now there's the addition of AI too. There's no need for "slow" emails and letters, you have direct messages now. There are free calls on social media apps, so there's no need to pay the extra charges for international calls. Who cares about audio calls though? Video calls are now the new and more "lively" option.
Then we have the emerging realm of WEB3 right around the corner, which introduces a ton of new opportunities and a whole new ethos.
ᴵᵐᵃᵍᵉˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵒᵛᵉʳᵃˡˡ ᶜᵒⁿᵗᵉⁿᵗ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᵒʷⁿ ᵘⁿˡᵉˢˢ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ᵐᵉⁿᵗᶦᵒⁿᵉᵈ
So, a week away from this addictive screen with countless sources of neverending topics? It's a tough one, but not too tough I'd say.
I'll take my current affairs as an example.
I handle 80% of my personal trades and business-related work on my phone right now, even my computer is barely put to any use. I can be on vacation, and still, I'd have the option to overlook and help in our online business if I wanted. The only thing stopping me is a good internet connection.
I do all my photography on my phone, I stay updated about my friends and their lives through my phone. I even used to read books on my phone just a few years ago.
So, with such immense attachment to this compact metal box of ultimate power, is it possible to detach and delve into a bit of digital detox? I say there's quite certainly a possibility. Yet, you won't be able to stay away for long; especially if the device is a vital contributor and medium to your daily bread and butter.
I don't mind staying away from my phone for a week, even if it interferes and hacks my income by a miniscule percentage. Sometimes you require such detachment, you can't just work yourself to death. You must focus on the spiritual aspect of life, connect with nature, and create an opportunity to discover yourself once again; maybe even discover a new version of yourself.
Now, if this little detachment was paid for, my family and our necessities were taken care of, then I'd happily throw my phone into a damn jungle or river.
A week is quite easy actually. I'd just tell everyone not to bother getting in contact with me for the next 7 days, and then I'd be off somewhere, into the unknown, as they say...
But, how long would I last if the challenge was continuous? I really don't know!
However, if my family is with me throughout this challenge, then I'll certainly last quite long; my friends would be a bonus. Yet, if I'm alone, then I don't see myself living that way for more than a year or two. I am human after all, and even if I have a ton of money and all my needs taken care of, I can't stay away from human interaction; especially not away from my family.
So, at the end of the day, to close the distance by a fraction, I would have to rely on my phone or some sort of tech, just to check up on my family and friends.
Yet, for a week though, I'm prepared to be a cell-out; even if there's no prize.
Or maybe the detachment itself is the prize?