How to Cut Digital Cold Turkey

If your technology use brings you negative thoughts or feelings, it might be time to break up with it. Just like smoking and other addictions, technology addiction is a real thing. About 8.2% of the population experiences internet addiction. Some reports even move that number up to 18.5%. Not sure if you’ve reached that point? Here’s a quiz you can take to help you find out.

If you do realize a digital detox is necessary, keep reading for a guide on how to go digital cold turkey, without going crazy.

Leave Your Phone Behind

One simple but effective way to cut the time you use your phone is to put it in places that you’ll need to think twice about or work to get to. For example, if you’re watching a movie in one room, place it in the next. If you’re driving, put it in the back seat.

You don’t have to leave it at entirely separate locations, as some might argue that’s not wise for safety reasons, but consider how you can create distance.

Cut the Color

Former Design Ethicist at Google explains that the use of color in the features and applications of your smartphone has been linked to addiction to technology. The colors are used to trigger the release of endorphins when you receive notifications or check your phone.

iPhones, iPads, and Androids all have settings to combat this troubling tendency. Google Pixel and Nexus do not have this option per se, but there is another option that can turn your screen black and white.

Set Up Your Social Networks

Go the extra mile and set up your social networks for digital detox success. Deactivate or delete unnecessary accounts, find alternatives to any practical reasons it would be hard for you to be off social, and make the online commitment. Going through this system will prepare you for a digital hiatus mentally and physically.

While initially, it can be challenging, after a few weeks, you won’t even miss your social media accounts.

Tell Others

Tell someone you respect that you’re limiting your digital usage. It will help you when it comes to accountability. A study conducted by the American Society of Training Development concluded that having an accountability partner can increase someone’s chances of succeeding by 95 percent.

If you’re serious about cutting the time you spend engaging with the digital world, the best thing you can do is make the decision. Be firm in your choice, execute, and know it might be slightly uncomfortable to break habits in the beginning. Be patient, be present, and be GR8.