Going Digital-Free

Every so often I hear about people deciding to go without all their devices. Sometimes it's an individual decision by someone who feels that their devices are taking up too much of their time. Sometimes it's a challenge issued by some group for the same reason.

Personally I come down firmly in the middle of this argument.

On the one hand, I'm very attached to my computer and phone. I thought email was the best thing ever when I first started using it. I could write to someone when I had time and they could answer when it worked for them. No more playing phone tag. Too often, by the time we connected I didn't remember why I had called in the first place.

Then suddenly (it seemed to me) everyone was texting. It took me time to embrace that, but it's now the norm.

I've learned to love Google and use it more and more. It's still not always my first thought when I have a question about something, but it's getting closer.

I'm already concerned about the time I spend browsing for info and playing games. I have exactly three games on my phone. One advertises other games. Occasionally I'm tempted--it really looks like fun--and I'll think about putting it on my phone, but so far I've been able to stop myself. What will happen to me if I have more games available? I bet I could lose track of hours.

And I avoid most social media. I have a feeling I'm missing out on things. Possibly lots of things. But the little bit that I do shows me that I could not handle the temptations of being more involved.

On the other hand, many days I have no trouble forgetting that I have a phone. When I'm traveling, or just out for the day, I have to remind myself to check to in. I don't miss it at all. On the days when my phone keeps chiming, I sometimes happily leave it in a drawer. In a different room.  

So I have no trouble ignoring my devices. But at the same time, I have to dig my heels in and watch my involvement carefully.

Because I'm afraid.

Very afraid.