This is not Baratunde Thurston. But it could be you if you keep overindulging in social media. You’ve been warned.
Baratunde Thurston is a man connected. In 2012 alone, the bestselling author, comedian, and CEO had a daily average of 4 Facebook posts, 32 Tweets, 163 Gmail conversations and 10 SMS threads. Collectively that’s 81,194 individual conversations or posts over the course of 365 days. A bit of technological gluttony by modest standards.
Baratunde is not alone. In fact, a December 2012 study by KRC Research found that 65 percent of Millennials say losing their phone or computer would have more of a negative impact on their daily lives than losing their car.
Naturally, Baratunde did what any hip Millennial would do in the face of overindulgence: he started a cleanse. With the help of his personal assistant he began a 25-day digital detox over the holiday break. The rules were simple – no email, no social media, no business affairs. With the one exception of using his phone to call friends and family, Baratunde had cut the cord on his digital dependency.
Baratunde’s digital detox may seem crazy or even impossible to many Millennials who are glued to their phones and social media sites, but it does provide a fine example of the cause and effect of our generation’s excessive dependence on technology and the dangers that come along with it.
Case in point: While I was back home a few weeks ago I remember going with my uncle to pick up a rental truck, and as I was waiting for him to finalize the paperwork on the rental, I did what I normally do when I’m waiting in line. I pulled out my phone and mindlessly scrolled through my social media channels. After a few minutes my uncle had the keys to the rental truck and we were on our way. As we were leaving he mentioned how humorous it was to see myself and each person in line behind me glued to our phones. In that moment I realized two things: first, I had no idea there was anyone in line behind me. Second, our generation’s go-to in moments of minimal boredom are our cellphones.
This is Baratunde Thurston. Look how great he looks after breaking up with technology for nearly a month. This could be you.
Of course, if 25 days away from social media seems like too much of a sacrifice, then perhaps you can take a cue from Anand Girdharadas. In January, Anand wrote an article for the New York Times describing how he and his wife intentionally set aside certain days as “I am here” days. Ananda explains:
“I am here day began as a time to set aside our technology and to-do lists, choose a quarter of the city we wanted to know better, and explore it for a full day. It’s a kind of anti-modern communal experiment: giving our gadgets a secular Sabbath; reveling in friendship and conversation of a kind that Facebook doesn’t do; being thickly in one place, not thinly everywhere.”
I’ll admit, it’s a bit unusual that someone who works within the Communications Department of the media-based nonprofit that is responsible for the most viral video of all time, and whose Facebook page has the largest following for any NGO aside from the Olympics, to be advocating for a nearly month-long social media sabbatical. It’s all a bit counterintuitive.
In fact, as we speak I have 17 tabs open on my browser and 7 Gchats open in my email. I check Invisible Children’s Facebook and Twitter several times a day, I just received a text, I’m listening to the Lion King soundtrack via Spotify (#donthate), and I can hear my colleagues watching Instagram announce a new feature that allows video uploading. Oh and I’m writing this blog. Technology is part of the job, and that in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s engrained in our organization and it’s allowed us to make incredible strides toward ending the longest running conflict in Africa.
All of that said, it can get a bit overwhelming. Perhaps taking a small step and giving up technology this weekend is enough for a natural recharge. Instead of Facebooking the fact that I’m at the Farmers Market, I can talk to vendors and learn more about the people I see every week who provide me with fresh food. Instead of live-tweeting by the beach, I can finish that copy of East of Eden that’s been collecting dust. And more importantly, instead of vicariously experiencing my friend’s weekend adventures via Instagram, we could all grab lunch at our favorite local spot and plot out a collective adventure.
The possibilities are endless when you step outside of your social media life and back into your actual one. Take control of your weekend, experience your city, and leave your phone at home. I know I will and I hope you’ll join me.
(Photo credit: Fast Company)
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