I read (albeit briefly) an article in the New York Times, which again tapped into this digital addiction we all seem to be experiencing (yet not acknowledging… or quietly ignoring).
You’ll get confirmation that it exists: if you are waiting to buy a coffee, in a queue somewhere (doesn’t matter where), or get nudged by or along while walking on the street - I guarantee there will be someone in front of you on their phone or you’ll be on your phone. There will however be a phone involved.
Dr Anna Lembke in her new book Dopamine Nation and no I haven’t read her book yet as yes it will mean sitting quietly still without distraction to read it something I seem quite incapable of doing yet I’m in training. She argues (and proves) that are brains are wired now to constantly seek stimulation, our daily digital lives make is nigh on impossible to fight that urge. So believe me it’s not you, it’s our current collective status.
In her interview with the New York Times, she quotes ‘Essentially what’s happened is we’re spending more and more of our energy in this online world… which means … when we try to re-enter the real world, it actually is more boring, because there’s less going on and because there's nobody there”.
What can you do to re-ignite your spark with the real world?
The real world in fact moves a little slower than the super pimped digital one, and you have to actively engage in it to be stimulated by it. Whether it be ‘raw dogging’ your daily walk without a podcast or music and simply being guided by the rhythm of your feet on the pavement, or putting your phone away in social situations which include the supermarket, coffee queues, public transport, at the gym and especially in highly social environments such as: bars, cafes, the gym, restaurants and concerts. You get the gist.
And yes, if you wish to full re-engage in the real world, we advise you to avoid all the monochrome cafes popping up all over the place with their take-away cups and zero sense of personality or individuality - you will have little chance of overcoming that digital urge to check your phone. Opt for your local, independent spots, even though the coffee wait might be a little longer( and keep your phone burning in your pocket - payment only)
Add at least one new ‘real-life’ activity to your weekly agenda: daily is preferable - yet as you’re addicted, we suggest you start slow… actively work to expand your social circle, try that new hobby that has been on your list for a long time (I did a dance class and felt I was on stage with the NDT despite being mostly out of sync), and engage with someone in one of those queues.
Just remember, it will take all of our collective energy to manage our collective addiction.
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