DO YOU USE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WISELY?

"Digital Detox"

To help deal with misuse of technology, lands such as China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States have established "digital detox" centers, where a person is denied access to the Internet and digital devices for several days. For example, Brett, a young adult who says that at one point he was playing an online game for up to 16 hours a day.  "Whenever I went online, it really was like getting high on a drug," he says.  By the time Brett checked himself into a digital detox center, he was unemployed, had neglected his hygiene, and had lost his friends. How can you prevent such a bad outcome?

ASSESS YOUR USE OF TECHNOLOGY.  Determine the impact of that technology has on your life.  Ask yourself such questions as the following: 

* Do I become unduly agitated perhaps even temperamental, when I cannot access the Internet or use my electronic device?

* Do I keep using the Internet or device long after the  predetermined time i have set to stop? 

* Am I losing needed sleep because I cannot stop checking for incoming messages? 

* Is my use of technology causing me to neglect my family? Would my family members agree with my answer to this question?

If you use of technology is causing you to neglect "the more important things" -including your family and other responsibilities-now is the time to make changes.  (Philippians 1:10) How? 

LEARN TO SET REASONABLE LIMITS.  Too much of even a good thing can be harmful.So whether  you use digital technology for business or for pleasure, limit how long you will do so, and then stick  to that limit. 

Tip:  Why not enlist the help of a family member or a  friend?  The Bible says:  "Two are better than one, . . .for if one of them fails, the other can help his partner up." -Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10. 

As new devices make it easier and faster to access and transmit data, the unwise use of  technology will no doubt grow.  But do not let attraction lead to "addiction."  By "making the best use of your time," you can avoid misusing digital technology. -Ephesians 5:16. 

 Next time: Coping With the Loss of a Loved One

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015