It’s an intriguing tale. Several years back, my daughter’s school arranged a ‘Day at the Museum’ event where the children were tasked with portraying significant figures who had impacted humanity—essentially, individuals worthy of museum recognition. Curious about the popular choices, I inquired with my daughter, Zoya, anticipating responses like Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Teresa. To my surprise, she remarked, ‘Not quite, mom. Many are opting to dress up as MrBeast.’ The revelation dawned upon me that her reference was not to the accursed prince from Beauty and the Beast, but rather to the American YouTuber and entrepreneur. We are observing the emergence of a new societal paradigm. Our children inhabit a parallel universe where their interests and sources of inspiration diverge from the norm. The distinction between the ‘real’ and the ‘virtual’ realms is so blurred for them that they conduct their lives predominantly through apps, forming friendships, resolving conflicts, and even discovering love online.
This digital shift isn’t exclusive to the younger generation; it encompasses us all. Studies indicate that, on average, individuals check their phones twelve times per hour. These devices have evolved into versatile tools serving as news outlets, social hubs, entertainment platforms, educational resources, adult content gateways, and personal assistants—all encapsulated within a single gadget. While undeniably convenient, this amalgamation of functionalities also breeds a profound addiction, leading to a surge in mental health issues. We acknowledge the necessity of regulating our screen time, but the question remains—how? I propose that ancient narratives, akin to the tale featuring the original Beast, might offer a solution. Recall the story of Goldilocks and her preference for porridge: Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Here are my foremost parenting suggestions (equally applicable to adults) for achieving a digital equilibrium, akin to Goldilocks, in managing your tech engagement effectively:
Get Moving
Just as celebrities transitioned from voluptuous to size zero, our mobile phones have evolved from bulky bricks to sleek, polished devices effortlessly slipping into our pockets. The seamless transition from pocket to hand underscores the portability and omnipresence of phones, rendering them ideal vessels for addictive content consumption. Research indicates that 75 percent of individuals can access their phones without moving a muscle. Can you do the same right now? Reach for your phone without shifting your feet? If so, it’s time to get moving.
Embrace Dutch Wisdom
Our society’s impatience has become glaringly apparent. Deadlines demand immediacy, deliveries expect promptness, and any delay in webpage loading prompts swift abandonment. ‘Lean in’, ‘hustle harder’—these mantras echo incessantly. Juggling a laptop, a tablet, and a phone simultaneously, we strive to embody these ideals. Thus, when advised to stow away our phones, we may ponder alternative activities. Enter ‘niksen’, a Dutch practice gaining global traction among psychologists. The essence? Engage in purposeful idleness. Embrace the pause. Gaze out of a window. Linger in bed. Observe the grass sway. In a world glorifying busyness as a status symbol, the act of purposeful inactivity may seem peculiar. However, as denizens of one of the happiest nations globally (and the creators of delectable stroopwafels), the Dutch offer insights worth heeding.
Limit Multitasking
In our era of perpetual multitasking—juggling WhatsApp, emails, Instagram, and news portals—we inadvertently sacrifice coherence. Humans are ill-suited for multitasking, and this constant toggling exacts a toll, often manifesting as cognitive fog. ‘WWILF’—What Was I Looking For? This query frequently plagues us as we meander aimlessly through our phones, lost amidst WhatsApp, social media, and work emails. The brain isn’t wired for constant task-switching. Demanding such multitasking is akin to urging a fish to scale a tree. Spare your brain the strain of multitasking.
Be Selective in Offloading
In a realm where technology can assume the role of our cognitive faculties, we must consciously delineate the extent of offloading. For instance, at a museum, you’re more likely to retain a painting’s essence by observing it rather than capturing a photograph. Dedicate time to savor experiences that truly matter—beauty, artistry, a moonlit night—instead of hastily offloading them onto your phone for virtual display. Some encounters merit preservation in your mind’s repository, not merely in your device’s memory.
Embrace Monochrome
Similar to our primate kin, humans possess primal minds susceptible to vivid hues. Silicon Valley cognizant of this fact, employs vibrant colors in apps to captivate and retain user interest. Consider transitioning your phone display to greyscale and eliminating color from the home screen. Despite contrary advice from your hairstylist, embracing monochrome might prove beneficial.
Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction
Acknowledgment and validation are universal desires. We all relish recognition—whether for our appearance, accomplishments, or efforts. Feedback is intrinsic to the human experience. It propels us to refine our attire, enhance our articulation, or apply makeup. Yet, by confining interactions solely to social media realms, we compel ourselves to scavenge for online validation, pursuing likes as proxies for self-worth. Break this cycle—venture outdoors, engage with individuals, and bask in the authentic affection you seek. No heart emoji can replicate the euphoria of a first kiss, just as no virtual applause matches the pride of accepting an accolade onstage. Typing ‘LOL’ pales in comparison to genuine laughter shared with a friend. While digital rituals and virtual gestures hold significance, they cannot supplant the communal, contemplative essence of real-world interactions. Moreover, the physical realm remains the sole domain where you can relish a truly gratifying meal.