The many men, women, and children who spend their days glued to their smartphones and social media accounts might learn something from Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the groundbreaking mega hit “Hamilton.” Asked in an interview with Delta Sky magazine when and where he finds time to be creative, Miranda, an avid reader of books and enthusiast for unfettered downtime, replied: “The good idea comes in the moment of rest. It comes in the shower. It comes when you’re doodling or playing trains with your son. ‘Hamilton’ forced me to double down on being awake to the inspirations of just living my life.” Miranda’s observation bodes ill for the future, not just of creativity; but also of healthy bodies, minds, and relationships. No doubt you’ve seen the following scenarios, probably many times:
- Young couples out to dinner pull out their smartphones to check messages, emails; social networks even before scanning the menu, and check their smartphones repeatedly throughout the meal.
- Shoppers and commuters standing in line, people crossing busy streets; even cyclists and drivers whose eyes are on their phones instead of their surroundings.
- Toddlers in strollers, playing with a digital device; a parent’s or perhaps even their own; instead of observing and learning from the world around them.
- People walking down the street with eyes on their phones; bumping into others, tripping over or crashing into obstacles.
New York psychotherapist:
Observations like these have prompted a New York psychotherapist to ask “what really matters” in life. In her enlightening new book, “The Power of Off,” Nancy Colier observes; “We are spending far too much of our time doing things that don’t really matter to us.” Both in and outside her practice; she has encountered many people who have become “disconnected from what really matters, from what makes us feel nourished and grounded as human beings.”The near-universal access to digital technology; starting at ever-younger ages, is transforming modern society in ways that can have negative effects on physical and mental health; neurological development, and personal relationships, not to mention safety on our roads and sidewalks.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m no Luddite. I love technology. I love the convenience and assistance afforded by the myriad apps on my smartphones, a pocket-size information bank. But I also love putting my computer in sleep mode and going for a walk with my dog, meeting and chatting with friends; acquaintances, and strangers, some of whom have become friends.
Moderation in our digital world via Smartphones:
As with so much else in life; moderation in our digital world should be the hallmark of a healthy relationship with technology. Too many of us have become slaves to the devices that were supposed to free us; giving us more time to experience life and the people we love. Instead, we’re constantly bombarded by bells, buzzes and chimes that alert us to messages we feel compelled to view and respond to immediately. “Most people now check their smartphones 150 times per day, or every six minutes,” Colier wrote. “And young adults are now sending an average of 110 texts per day.” Furthermore, she added; “46 percent of smartphone users now say that their devices are something they ‘couldn’t live without.’ ”