When first considered digital detox, I thought this didn’t apply to me. I rarely use social media, and when I do, I use it more as a source of information than a place to connect on a personal level. While I have a smartphone, I don’t spend leisure time on it, quite frankly I find the visuals too small to use for extended periods without frustration, which gives me a built-in screen time control. We don’t allow devices at the dinner table, and I make sure to put away everything digital when I start my evening routine to keep the blue light from impacting my circadian rhythm and sleep. I use technology intentionally and as a tool — no need for digital detox here.
And then I read an article about The Art of Noticing, which pushed me off my high-horse and made me realize I have a much bigger problem than digital detox — I am a multi-tasker. Multi-tasking is more insidious than too much screen time because it invades everything we do and doesn’t even require a device or internet connection. It’s possible to multi-task anywhere, anytime, doing anything.
Instead of enjoying every sip of my coffee, I’m drinking mindlessly while responding to emails.
Instead of listening to my children tell me about their day, I’m thinking about the meeting I have in the morning.
Instead of appreciating my husband while he deals the next hand in cribbage, I’m jumping up to empty the dishwasher.
Instead of contemplating every college course I take, I am planning my next steps after graduation.
Instead of watching the beautiful sunset over the ocean on the vacation I’ve just spent a fortune on, I’m browsing a tourist guide to decide what we are going to do tomorrow.
And suddenly, the moment has passed. My coffee cup is empty, my children have moved on, the game is over, diploma is in hand, and the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. Wait, it’s done? I missed it?
If my life were to flash before my eyes, then would I finally see all the moments I’m choosing to miss out on now by multi-tasking?
With or without a digital device, I need to spend less time multitasking, and more time noticing, paying attention to the world around me and focusing my attention on the people that matter in the moment.
My name is Alex, and I’m a multitasker — but I can change, will you join me?
