Confession: I’ve never had data on my (prepaid) phone. Instead, I rely on Mercury Drug suki points to load my phone. Surprisingly, P50 can last me through an entire month. If someone needs to contact me before a scheduled meet-up, they know to call or text me the old-school way. I know it can be inconvenient, but I prefer living within my means and prioritizing peace of mind.
Most of the time, I’m at home where I have Wi-Fi, so data isn’t really necessary for me. However, I understand that in this constantly connected world, my choice may seem strange or even preposterous. It’s similar to some of my friends who have never dabbled in social media.
As a member of Generation X, I have experienced the advantages and disadvantages of both the analog and digital worlds. While I have embraced certain modern advancements, there are others that I choose to opt-out of. I’ve come across old email forwards that reminisce about the good old days of riding bikes without worrying about helmets and how people were more patient back then.
As a parent, I prioritize safety by ensuring my kids are securely fastened in car seats and equipped with safety gear. I’ve witnessed the importance of these precautions when my son came home with a cracked helmet that could have easily been his skull. However, I can’t help but cringe when I see people, both young and old, completely consumed by their phones, sacrificing real-time interactions with the people right in front of them.
Ever since smartphones became prevalent, the default behavior during social gatherings has been to connect briefly with those present and then everyone gradually resorts to their phones. Since I’m usually the one without this option, I take it as my cue to leave.
Tuning Out the Noise
In the past, people were more dependable and focused. You could count on them to pay attention. It’s a principle I strive to instill in my children – the ability to filter out distractions, noise, and excessive stimulation in order to prioritize what truly matters. Making someone feel important by giving them undivided attention. I once read that ours is the last generation capable of teaching future generations about the importance of real relationships and being genuinely present.
There’s a viral video circulating featuring a seventh grader who saved the day when he noticed their school bus driver having a medical emergency. He swiftly took action and prevented a catastrophe. His parents attributed his quick thinking to the fact that he doesn’t own a phone, which allowed him to be aware of his surroundings instead of being absorbed in a screen like his fellow bus passengers.
I’ve shown this video to my kids to reinforce why they don’t have personal devices. They do have gadgets that they bring to school, but we refer to them as “the family iPad” and “the family laptop.” However, it’s not enough to have just one conversation about it; we must constantly emphasize the point because the constant temptation of screens can wear down even the strongest intentions. This means I have to be hyper-aware of my own device usage as well. Living without data is my attempt to set an example of not being overly reliant on a device. It’s undoubtedly easier to give in and provide everyone with screens for mindless entertainment. But if I want to teach my children the value of boredom, I have to show them how I embrace the discomfort too. That way, we can rediscover the joy of reading, playing non-digital games, and engaging in meaningful conversations – all activities that don’t flood our brains with excess dopamine like devices do. Being fully present, observing my children’s facial expressions and emotions during our conversations, and witnessing how they appreciate my undivided attention instead of competing with a nearby device is worth sacrificing tailor-made, limitless entertainment at my fingertips.
Ask for Directions
Whenever I need to go to an unfamiliar place, I make sure to figure out the directions before I leave. Although Waze exists, it’s far from perfect, which is why I always provide explicit directions to couriers delivering packages to our house. However, most of them simply rely on the app and rarely bother to read the instructions.
When I find myself lost, I have no qualms about asking for directions; I reframe it as an “adventure.” I want my kids to experience getting lost with me and understand that it’s not the end of the world. They learn who to ask for help and witness how I navigate without relying on Google Maps.
This choice may not allow for spontaneity or cater to modern-day emergencies, but it does leave room to make mistakes and learn from them. Despite being considered old-fashioned, this dinosaur has managed to survive by sheer luck and perhaps a few survival skills.
While I certainly appreciate the convenience of being constantly connected, I also recognize it as a crutch. I liken it to Bruce Lee’s aversion to using props in fighting – when you have a weapon, there’s an innate urge to use it. When Wi-Fi is available, I do connect to it, especially during long waits at the doctor’s office. However, I always have a book or my hardcopies of crosswords and sudoku puzzles on hand.
I like to think that I’m giving my children the opportunity to experience the simple joys of the ’80s. We play classic games like Categories, PANTS, or Hangman to pass the time. They’ve even created their own games to make boring places like department stores more interesting, such as finding the cheapest or most expensive item. Or they invent “codes” to make each other move in a specific way across a tiled floor.
I didn’t need to watch “Doctor Strange” to understand the dangers of using a phone while driving. Even with a fully developed prefrontal cortex, I’m aware that I can’t handle that kind of distraction. —CONTRIBUTED INQ
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
