HR Pulse

Could you take a digital detox?

Recently, I saw a sign outside a restaurant which was (of course) posted to Facebook: "No we don't have WiFi - talk to each other". It strikes everyone as funny until the truth hits home: We've stopped talking to, and engaging with, each other in a meaningful way. We have conversations while checking our mobile phones and we no longer look people in the eye because we're hiding behind our cellphones or tablets. The digital revolution has brought us a new style of communication on the largest, most accessible scale ever. I have to wonder, though, at what cost?

Technology puts information and connectivity into everyone's hands, around the clock, every day of the year. We've got mobile phones, land lines, Skype, SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, e-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other platforms constantly putting us at the beck and call of friends, family, colleagues and potential business. I know of few people who ever leave their mobile phones at home when going out for dinner, and fewer still who will ignore a call in favour of good dinner conversation.

Here's my point: There's a vast difference between connectivity and connectedness – and this constant flow of digital information means our real connectedness to others is on the wane. The art of consciousness and connectedness is about living in the now - paying attention to our dinner guests, the food, atmosphere, everything – as it is happening.

Look around at your next business meeting and see how many people are checking their mobile phones (surreptitiously or otherwise) while someone is speaking. That used to be considered rude but we've convinced ourselves we must be available at all times. We have given in to our need to be gratified immediately.

I remember when I joined the cellular industry in 2008 and I was amazed that it was considered an acceptable practice for people to sit in meetings with their laptops open and to continue typing while the meeting took place. It wasn't too long before I found myself waking up for a glass of water at 2am then checking and responding to e-mails because that was the culture – always on!

Even when we're in our cars, we're checking our phones, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. There's even a name for what we're doing – FOMO. UrbanDictionary.com cites it as a noun and the acronym of 'Fear Of Missing Out'.

We understand FOMO all too well

However, often the price we pay for FOMO is being less conscious about what's happening right now. And the irony is that we really are missing out on what's right in front of us. Bosses are seeking our opinions. And we're not there, mentally and emotionally . . .

To bring ourselves back into the present, and raise our level of consciousness, a 'digital detox' may be necessary. The Oxford Dictionary calls this "a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world: Break free of your devices and go on a digital detox".

Technology should enhance our lives not cause anxiety

Choosing the path of consciousness may not be easy if you're currently available 24/7, but it can be done. Make a habit of turning your phone off during dinner time with the family and meetings at work. Liberate yourself and truly connect to those around you. Teach your children to do the same. Have an evening free of computers and television every now and then – read a book (made of paper) - talk to and really listen and engage with your partner, listen to some soothing music. Try this for a weekend, perhaps, and see how much is happening right in front of you during times you may have been on your computer or mobile phone.

Quiet contemplation brings awareness of self and teaches us to live in the now. It raises your consciousness. It's not about meditating for days on a mountain top but it is all about being present, right here and right now, in everything you do.