Beginning January 1, I embarked on a one week “digital cleanse” which ended today. I did it to see if I could last 7 days without checking Facebook, Twitter, blogs, text or do anything on my phone other than call (and listen to music), but I also did it to see what life is like without these added distractions. So for a week, I did it, and boy was it an interesting experience.
There was a complete lack of information and contact with my friends. Few talked to me, seeing as they all knew I wasn’t texting. When I did call friends to talk, or tell them that something reminded me of them, they were usually excited to actually talk on the phone. I found out how much communication actually happens online. I found out 4 days after someone I knew died, because I wasn’t on Facebook. Instead of using these forms of communication, I wrote letters to friends (which I hope they enjoyed!). Definitely was interesting trying to remember how to write a letter again!
From this cleanse, I think I’ve learned a few things. It’s important to use multiple forms of communication, but is really important to realize how much we value face to face and the voice. I will definitely try to talk with friends via phone calls more often.
So…to starting off the new year, we’ll see what all it has in store for us, and how we communicate to each other!
I was definitely a culprit of forgetting about the cleanse and texting you a question that week. I’m glad you called though- it was good to catch up instead of just sending 4-5 words back and forth a few times via a texting conversation! Definitely a cool idea but I don’t know if I’m ready for my own “cleanse” yet.