Recently, there was a fascinating segment on WNYC’s “The Takeaway,” which urged listeners to embark on a week-long “put-your-phone-down” challenge. The show posited that if you’re always attached to your device, you’re missing out on the experience of boredom, which they argue is a catalyst for creativity. The challenge encourages participants to embrace those uncomfortable moments of boredom instead of reaching for a quick fix through social media or emails.
In full disclosure, I read about this challenge on my computer and listened to the segment on my laptop. I must admit, I’ve become increasingly aware of my excessive attachment to my phone, fiddling with it like it’s a nervous habit—similar to how I used to play with cigarettes. Sometimes, my brain urges me to check Facebook while I’m already scrolling through it, like a monkey pressing a lever for a reward.
When I attempt to limit my phone usage, my mind races with thoughts typical of an addict: “It’s after five; I can check now,” or “If I wait half an hour, I’ll prove that I don’t have a problem.” It’s like being trapped in a never-ending cycle of dependency, so my partner and I decided to commit to a weekend without screens.
On Friday, I hurriedly informed everyone I knew, “I won’t be available via email or text this weekend, so please call me if you need anything!” After that, we powered down our devices and placed our phones on a shelf.
Surprisingly, no one called. Our weekends usually involve a bit of socializing—spontaneous playdates at the park or impromptu dinner invites—but that didn’t happen because we hadn’t reached out beforehand. Perhaps our friends didn’t feel it was worth the effort to pick up the phone. To be fair, we didn’t make any calls either, indicating that we’ve become so averse to phone conversations that we prefer solitude over dialing. My son, when pretending to talk on the phone, always adopts a confrontational tone, saying things like, “I’m telling you it’s not working,” making me realize just how combative phone calls have become.
Next, we faced the reality of limited entertainment. A screen-free existence meant no television or movies, and our music options were sparse since we hadn’t purchased CDs in ages. Nevertheless, we managed to unearth some old ’90s albums and played “name that tune” with our kids. “Is it ‘Free Falling’?” “Yes, your turn!”
We also put off other screen-related tasks until Monday: managing finances, tracking expenses, and even simple calculations. When I went to the gym, I had no music or timer to guide my exercises. Without access to my digital calendar, we spent a good ten minutes counting on our fingers to determine when our child’s birthday fell. We guessed at nap times and bedtimes since our clocks are perpetually wrong, thanks to the kids’ meddling. It felt like we were living in a bubble of isolation.
Living without screens, at least for us, seemed unfeasible in the long run. The digital world has become integral to our daily lives—everything we need, aside from oxygen and groceries (and even Trader Joe’s has an app)—is now online.
However, the unexpected emotional takeaway was that I felt a lot less anxious. Typically, I juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, most of which are digital. Imagine trying to carry a toddler up three flights of stairs while answering a barrage of messages about everything from a friend’s bad day to scheduling conflicts. Each notification adds layers of stress, making my patience wear thin.
During our screen-free weekend, I found that I could focus solely on my children without the constant distractions of the digital world. It was refreshing to have uninterrupted time with my partner as well—just the two of us without the usual influx of information vying for our attention. It felt like a mini-retreat.
So, give it a try. You might find it surprisingly rejuvenating. Just remember to close this screen first.
Summary
Taking a break from screens can lead to unexpected benefits, like reduced anxiety and deeper connections with family. Although a tech fast may seem challenging, the emotional clarity and focus it brings can be worth the effort.
Keyphrase: screen addiction and tech fast
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