Like most detox programs, this one was not initially my choice. No, I was not dragged away from my laptop by white-clad brutes who strong armed me into a secure but nondescript van. Nor was I happily driven out to the country, realizing (only too late) that this wasn’t the park or the zoo, but instead a hospital with barred windows and no wifi. There was no intervention. Tears were not shed. It was much simpler and in many ways symbolic of why this issue is so important.
My family needed me. I had to be present both physically and mentally. Everything else could wait.
Although I am a vocal proponent of the wonderful benefits that social media can afford, I must emphatically suggest that each of us consider a dose of detoxification. Here’s why:
Living in the here and now – If you spend your life obsessively chronicling via Twitter, Facebook and other platforms, you may be missing an incredible opportunity to fully experience that which surrounds you. In our desire to be the wittiest, the fastest, the most compelling or entertaining, we tend to ignore the more subtle aspects of what we’re experiencing. Our short attention span perpetuates this notion that everything is to be broadcast and nothing is sacred.
Making human connections – At an event I recently attended, many of us were thrilled to finally have the chance to meet in person. When the hour of our group dinner arrived, how do you think our band of social media crazed friends reacted? That’s right. We sat mere inches away from one another and tweeted/posted “how cool it was” to finally be together. All of us. In person. Typing on our smartphones. It was a missed opportunity and I regret it.
Silence is golden – Let’s face it, social media is noisy. Each day we add our clicks to the hum and buzz of endless and perpetual chatter. But in finding a quiet moment – in reveling in the ability to pause and take stock – we may gain more wisdom than we think. Some like forests. Some like trees. I personally enjoy the new perspective gained from silence. (This one is difficult for me as I’m generally the one breaking glass instead of reflecting in it.)
So what do you think? Could we all benefit from a little less social media at times? How have you detoxed and what were your catalysts for doing so? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the conversation going. Or, step away from the computer entirely. You just might need the break.
15 Comments
A very timely post! Good advice to heed. It can be so easy to get “swept” away in Social Media. All of us should take a deep breathe and learn to live in the moment. Well done Mark!
I haven’t successfully detoxed yet but time away definitely is a must. I’ve scaled back on my time spent on line at the kid’s request and while I appreciate the chance to unplug, it’s hard to shake the “I’m missing something” feeling.
Silence is golden and I don’t enjoy it enough. If it wasn’t social media, it would be laundry, re organizing closets, etc. So with that, I am off to find some quiet time – with my pillow.
Solid post Mark. Social networking makes us impatient I think. Or maybe makes impatient people even more impatient. Do you ever think while on a long line at a coffee shop or store that you need the idiots in front of you to hurry it up, because you are missing tweets, Facebook updates, blog posts and the like? I can’t be the only one who tries to make sure I carry my Blackberry into every place I go just in case. Maybe next time I will actually talk (gasp) to someone in the store. Thanks for posting this Mark.
I ebb and flow on this one, but I definitely need to detox more for my family. Not just from social media and all the great folk I’ve met but from the “job” as well. That’s one of a few valuable lessons I learned this last week on family vacation.
Still learning because I saw Steve B. RT this, I clicked, read and commented.
*sigh*
The first step is admitting you have a problem right? Well then: Hello, my name is Shauna and I find it hard to unplug myself from social media.
Right on all fronts, Mark! And this isn’t just about social media, although it gets the most attention lately.
Family is what often pulls me away from social media and your post reminded me how easy they accomplished it when they last came to visit.
Social media ought not to be seen as only a substitute for face-to-face, but as introduction and continued correspondence. I don’t know what happened that caused your recent event to be detached, but I fondly recall the gathering at HR Technology 2009 precisely because of the great face-to-face conversations we all had over dinner. Perhaps it was because it was right after the terrific live HR Happy Hour that Steve Boese presided over, where focus was on talking.
Finally, reflection is good for the soul and that means stepping away for a least a little while from tweets, TV, parties, or whatever. Thanks for reminding us!
Nice reminder. I’ve been at several dinners w/tweeps and of course, we all end up tweeting out who we’re with. I think it’s just because of the initial excitement of finally meeting. I’m learning that the need to tweet subsides. For example, I recently went on a weekend getaway with several ladies I know from Twitter. By day two, we were sitting in a pizza joint just enjoying being with each other. No tweeting, no phone calls, no blogs. It was wonderful.
Don’t unplug completely. It’s how you make the initial connection. Just remember to unplug once you are in person. AND, always make time for family first no matter what. Social media comes later.
p.s. When I see you next time we’ll have a “no tweeting” rule.
I would have to credit my dog for giving me some breaks for getting me away from all the social networking sites and Joining a workout club to detach a little has helped. All though seeing Fan us on Facebook all over gets me back in the mindset!
Excellent Post. I’ll spread the word to my folks. I would say more, except:
I’m Headed Out To Detox!!
Have a Great Day,
Rusty Lee
There is a post-it note on my computer that says, “don’t speak unless what you have to say is more profound that the silence.” I keep it on my desk because I need reminding. If I could remember where I found it, I would credit the source but it is worth keeping in eye shot. Especially when I need to listen more than talk.
Great post Mark. I agree it is important to not lose touch with reality especially when technological advances make it so difficult to not be a techno-zombie. I went to Eruope for 4 weeks in 2007…without access to a cell phone and extremely limited access to email. It was amazing and really put things in perspective. Now I an put the cell phone down or close the laptop when necessary in order to actually enjoy life.
I’ve always thought of Social Media exactly the same way as when someone is at a concert to record it through their cell phone instead of actually being involved.
People are too caught up with telling what’s happening instead of actually experiencing it themselves.
On the flip side, it’s great to be able to socialize with such a broad range of characters.
Social media is great for building connections but it’s up to you to actually follow through and make them worthwhile face-to-face.
Mark-
Great post and something I am working on as well. The idea of real interaction verses virtual interaction. All too often, I debate over it. I almsot skipped a great dinner with friends for a twitter chat. It took my roommate pointing out that I would rather interact virtually then in real life…
It isn’t easy to step back but once it is done, there are worse things that could happen and you usually end up having a great time. Every person in social media should have to read this.
Well done and I hope all if well with your family.
Teresa
I hope the family is ok Mark and that you enjoy your detox.
-Meg
Do I have some smart readers or what?!? I hope you all have read one another’s comments. And don’t worry, the family is a-okay. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and a little R&R.
Best,
Mark
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