I work in IT. This means I am connected to people and devices just within my own job. That is the whole premise. The switch to remote work, caused me to be even more connected to the devices. In some remote classes I’ve taken, professors make the assumption that with a remote environment students have more time. Of course we are able to watch the lecture material before the lecture section meets so that we can attend the lecture section to ask any questions we may have while also completing the same amount of homework as we otherwise would of. Both of these situations have created stress in my technology usage. Most of my unhealthy internet behaviors are shaped around other’s assumptions that in an online world I am always available. Others come from wanting to escape the stress that the digital world has caused me.
Shirin Ghaffary explored a few key ways that one can limit their reliance to technology. Of the methodologies discussed, I believe the app limits option is the best for me. Although I do not immediately leave TikTok when it showcases a maybe it is time for you to put down your phone and go for a walk message, I am alerted to how much time has passed and give myself a 5 more max limit generally. While I believe that the “Going Gray” method discussed would fairly quickly get me off of my phone, I think it would overly reduce my enjoyment of the device. I could no longer go shopping for things, because I’d have no clue what color it is. Lastly, I think my main goal for myself would be to increase work-life boundaries. I enjoy helping people, but that does not mean I have to be available to them when they pose a question to me at 8am on my day off.
