Is It Time To Unplug?

Pew Research reports that nearly 1/3 of U.S. adults say they are online “almost constantly,” up from just 21% in 2015. Despite being more connected than ever, a 2018 Pew Research study discovered the number of people who view the internet as good for society has dropped by 6% since 2014. While not a large number, it is significant that our view of technology is changing, and many feel it’s time to unplug.

I am firmly in the “constantly online” camp and have long said the internet is the single greatest and single worst invention in human history. The Pew Research findings confirm what I already know to be true: we have an unhealthy relationship with technology, but there isn’t much we can do about it.

While I love the idea of unplugging, I make all of my income due to technology and internet-based companies. The clients I wrote for this week would not exist without the internet. So, the idea of unplugging for any prolonged period is counter-intuitive for me. It likely is the same for you.

Acknowledging our dependence on technology is crucial to developing better methods to prevent addiction and abuse. Luckily for us, today begins the National Day of Unplugging. The nonprofit group Unplug Collaborative promotes a 24 hours focus on unplugging, which runs from sundown tonight to sunset tomorrow. Participants should get off the internet for at least one hour during the period.

My entire house is wired for technology — even my lightbulbs and washing machine have wifi connections. For me, unplugging requires going outside and reading a book. Hopefully, the weather is nice enough to accommodate.

Can you unplug for an hour? What about the entire 24-hour period? Let me know how you’re participating in the National Day of Unplugging by replying.