Principles on the Usage of Digital Devices
Computers and smartphones are addictive. It’s very easy to start using one and lose track of time. Applications and website are iteratively updated to be more addictive. Unless we as humans are mindful and deliberate in our usage, we will be drained of most of our time and attention to mindless usage of these digital devices. The following are my suggestion for principles on using internet-connected devices such as smartphones and computers.
1. Intention before illumination
Before switching them on, decide on exactly what you want to do. When on the device, only do this. Once done, put the device away. This will take some practice to do, as just like in mindfulness, your mind will stray very easily. Reeling it back into the main task is an ongoing task in itself. Fret not, focus is a learnable skill and you get better at it over time. What this will also do is force you to think of a purpose to use your device. When you are tempted to use your device but can’t think of a compelling reason to do so, perhaps you shouldn’t use it.
2. Predetermine time needed for the task
It’s very easy to do endless research on a task. This principle is generally useful even outside of device usage, but even more critical when using devices. When you have decided on the intention, set a particular period such as 15 or 30 minutes that you will spend on the device on that task. If by the end, you still need more time, start another timer. I usually type in ’15m timer’ into Google and it will automatically start a 15-minute timer.
3. Avoid multitasking between device activity and non-device activity
Whenever you have the opportunity to settle your device-related tasks ahead of time or after a certain activity, do that instead. Don’t normalise doing things while you’re supposed to be something else. I once brought my laptop to a hike. I did my work while everyone was chilling by the river. I will never do this again. Enjoy your moments, and segregate your device activities from your real world activities.
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Originally published at dotslashglobe.com on February 8, 2019.
