Mar 14, 2021
A Day of Disconnect
During the pandemic, the internet has been the essence of our existence. From working to socialising, the level of connectivity that these unseen frequencies have granted us has been paramount. Yet, it can be very overwhelming. Some have had to rapidly adapt, some have learnt new things, others sit subliminally absorbing the pixels from their screens all day and night.
I have spent 24 hours totally disconnected. My phone switched off and out of sight. It may not seem like much, but working from home most of the week has meant that my phone is always at my side. Just in case. By the end of the day, with little else to do, my sanctuary has become Netflix or Instagram. More screens than ever, more mindless than before.
As someone on the cusp of the millennial generation and having largely grown up with internet access, I have experienced the celerity of technological growth. My experiences are likely less than others, but I still remember the dial-up tone and waiting half an hour for a webpage to load. Now, I get frustrated if it takes more than ten seconds to get to the information I want.
Although technology is advantageous in many ways, for example the significant advancements it has provided to healthcare, a consistent dependence on the internet can be rather damaging.
Take the powerhouse that is social media... Applications such as Instagram and Twitter can drive business and personal connections widely, but there are many corresponding dangers that could change the way we see the world. Misinformation and airbrushing are easily presented in ways that can blur with reality. This subconscious absorption of information rapidly skews expectations of society and individual mentalities, not least promotes unhealthy habits.
Research conducted by The Prince’s Trust and Education Policy Institute found that one in three girls is unhappy with their appearance by aged 14. In 2017, one in nine young people had a probable mental illness. In 2021, this number is now one in six. Although it is not just young people affected, the negative impact of the internet can get to everyone.
In response to this, there has been wider recognition of these problems. ’Mindfulness’ is a term that has become more prominent as companies explore the importance of employee wellbeing further than ever before. Setting boundaries where possible is critical. Are you living your life through a camera lens? It’s worthwhile considering whether you are posting online for yourself or others.
Is it for assurance, for acceptance, maybe even to incite jealousy? Remember why. Sharing your experiences is great, but are you allowing enough time to enjoy them yourself in the real world?
As someone who historically struggles to mentally disengage, taking some time away from my phone this weekend has given me a much needed boost. I have been living in my own world and not everyone else’s. Finding alternative ways to unwind has been the crux of it all. Even though I would consider myself well-informed of the dangers that the internet can present, there is no doubt that I have been impacted in some ways.
It’s worth remembering that it’s not all bad news, the internet can be an incredible force for good. However, shutting down your devices and dedicating time to yourself can be more healthy and liberating than you may imagine. It is definitely something I would recommend doing if you can find the time.
