Alex Soojung-Kim, a business consultant, former Microsoft Research fellow, and author of The Distraction Addiction says we don’t need to book a digital-detox retreat or consider off-grid living to cultivate a more balanced relationship with communication technology.
“There’s value in learning to disconnect, and retreats and detox days have a purpose,” he says. “But they don’t emphasize how you can use technology in a more conscious, mindful way, which is to learn what people really want to learn.”
Pang suggests we practice “contemplative computing,” a counterintuitive concept that incorporates a blend of philosophy, science, and technological savvy.
“Contemplative computing isn’t a paradox,” he says. “It’s about remaining conscious about the choices that we make around technology, instead of going on autopilot and then suffering from constant distractions because of it. Taking this approach requires some practice, but it’s worth the effort.”
The first principle is to recognize that using technology to extend our physical and cognitive capabilities is part of what makes us human. Engaging with technology in a purposeful, meaningful way can bring us to what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls a state of “flow.”
“Flow is about losing yourself – in a good way,” says Pang. “It helps us love problems, create better techniques for concentration, and simply enjoy what we’re doing without distractions.”
Think of a novelist fully immersed in crafting a scene.
“We should celebrate and embrace all that technology lets us do, instead of seeing it as a hindrance to ‘real life,'” Pang argues. “What can technology provide for you that expands your abilities and makes you happier? Focus on that, instead of aspects that are wasting your time.
Consider Buddhist monks who blog. These are people highly trained in the discipline of meditation who use the Internet and social media to reach students. Because they’ve perfected the skill of calm alertness, they can stay present in their online engagement rather than seeing technology as an opportunity to zone out.
“So many people feel bad about the way they use technology, in the same way that they feel guilty they’re not saving more for retirement or doing other virtuous things,” says Pang. “But it’s better to redirect yourself back to being intentional about technology use rather than beat yourself up about being distracted.”
If hours get sucked down the Internet drain, ask yourself why. Are you mindlessly surfing sites you don’t really care about? Are you extending your workday by answering email until bedtime?
“Really, it comes down to making conscious choices,” says Pang. “You want to be mindful of your goals and stay present in order to achieve them.”
Experience Life
October, 2015