As a self described Digital Debutante, I work and play a lot online. It’s an outlet that I find very beneficial, especially for my business endeavors. Not to mention, creating and maintaining relationships with others is a snap online. Many of my friends and family live in different cities and states, so social media and being online keeps me plugged in to their worlds. But too much Internet in your life can give you a distorted view of reality (or so they say). Which is why National Day of Unplugging was created, so that we can step away from our MacBooks, iPhones, tablets, and other gadgets in technology so that we can spend more in-real life time with others the old fashioned way.
From March 1st to sundown of March 2nd, we are being asked to unplug from social media and the Internet.
Why?
Well, as I’ve written before, a little unplugging from time-to-time never hurt anyone. And, in addition, a new study by the Pew Research Center and the American Life Project has indicated that all of this Internet in our lives may not be good for us. Per the study:
…the Pew Internet and American Life Project found 61% of current Facebook users have voluntarily taken a break from using Facebook for a period of several weeks or more. Even so, internet addiction is being considered for classification as an official mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, suggesting that unhealthy dependence on technology is increasingly becoming an issue.
Detoxing oneself from the Internet and all of its vices can be therapeutic and freeing. You can come back recharged and refocused after a good unplug.
I haven’t decided yet if I will be partaking in the 4th Annual National Day of Unplugging (insert snicker here), but I am really leaning towards it. On March 1st, I will be coming back from a trip, so unplugging could be just the move I need to make to really enjoy my travel experience.
We will see.
If you would like to sign the pledge to unplug on March 1st, or want more information on the National Day of Unplugging, you can visit the official site HERE. You can also take a photo and share your pledge with the world (so that everyone can call you out if you cheat and update your Facebook status!)
I think it’s a great idea!
What do you think about the National Day of Unplugging? Can you spend a day offline?
Looking for stuff to do while you unplug? Check out the Undo list!
Now its gonna be hard to do but I’m willing to give it a shot.
Margaret, as hard as it will be for me, I am leaning towards doing it as well. I think it would do me good. I haven’t truly unplugged for a long time.
I can easily unplug. I think I will sign up for the National Day of Unplugging. I have been reading more, relaxing more, and using social media less so unplugging won’t be too difficult.