Introduction

Almost every day, our senses are slammed with new promotions, ads, and details for the “latest and greatest” forms of computing devices entering the market. We hear about the upgraded form of the Apple computer or the newest Windows operating system. Maybe we stop by the local Best Buy or Staples for some printer ink, and we are blasted with front-of-store displays of that new 50-inch TV or a slew of sales personnel trying to sell us that very much needed new iPhone.  

Sometimes, we just get bewildered by what we already have. Perhaps your workplace is still running Windows XP? A 15-year-old personal digital assistant? Slower than molasses running uphill servers that happen to contain the information you desperately need to finish that proposal?

How much more irritating can our lives get?

Why do some folks avoid technology altogether?

In my humble opinion, after years of dealing with both people and technology, I think that one of the main reasons we hate technology and computing devices is because ‘If it works, why fix it?’ We have likely seen the same things happen. You are drumming away at your keyboard when the IT guy comes in and says, “Your new computer is here.” Ummm, what new computer? I don’t need a new computer. This one works just fine! 

Another reason? We don’t like how much technology has taken over our lives and the lives of those around us. We all see, probably hourly, how much time is spent on computers or devices. We watch someone muck with their cell phone while they are supposed to be spending time with friends or loved ones. A lunch with your significant other, and you both answer texts and emails from work. TV time with the kids? They are on their phones, and all you see is the top of their heads. Devices are everywhere, and they infiltrate nearly every corner of our lives.

Some things to consider

• The world population in 2019 was approximately 7.7 BILLION people, with the U.S. containing a bit over 329 million of them (the World Bank.)
• The number of connected devices in U.S. households averaged 11 in December of 2019 (The World Bank).

These statistics mean that in 2019 there were approximately 3.6 billion connected devices in U.S. homes ALONE, not counting those in the workplace and public spaces such as libraries or other countries.

To quote the very famous character of the ‘Bloom County’ comics, Bill the Cat, “ACK!!”

A bit of honesty from the author

Now I have to tell the truth here because it might be informative. 

My household has many connected devices. We have seven desktop computers, four tablets, five phones, three laptops, four gaming systems, four Internet-capable TVs, connected storage devices, and the equipment to keep them all connected to the network here and the Internet. That’s just the Internet-capable items.

Yes, I am the one person in the household who ensures they all operate as expected, are correctly connected, and are as secure as possible. I have been a techno-geek for some time, starting in 8th grade with the first computer in my grade school, which I was the first student to touch. 8 Kilobytes of read-only memory! On a cassette tape! Yup.

And, yes, I get burned out with the constant flow of information and work to be done to keep it coming.

How do I keep from becoming a victim of, or recover from, technology overload?

So much information from so many different sources can be overwhelming, at the very least. Taking the time to move away, break out of the ‘stream’ of information, and find something non-tech to do, is beyond important. Stop! Go for a walk or read a regular bound book (that’s what I tend to do). Go old school and talk face to face with your friends or loved ones. No phones, TVs, or other electronic gear to distract you. 

I also like to build stuff. Bookcases for the hundreds of books we own, shelves for various storage needs in and around the house. I even made a shed in my backyard last year, with the help of my wife and youngest son.

Maybe you are a giver. Try helping out a charitable organization by collecting donations at a drive or working in a homeless shelter or food bank a few hours a week or month. Pick up litter alongside the roads in your community.

I am a disabled Veteran, so I am always chatting with other Veterans and folks with disabilities. Helping them when I can, or just being a good listener, allows me to disconnect from the devices as well.

Take up a hobby. You can collect coins or stamps, teach a sport to needy kids, quilt, visit the museum. The world is waiting for you!

In the end, you will likely have to go back to that technology you were avoiding, but I know I have found that a bit of a break from the digits and electricity helps me immensely when I hit my limits. Taking the time to relax and enjoy the non-connected world around you is a boon and may keep you from having too much stress.

Avoiding technology altogether these days is likely not going to help you accomplish your goals and work. If this is the case, do what you can to break away, take a moment, smile, enjoy life, and be human. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading this opinion piece, as I know it has been fun for me to write it. Take care, and take a break!