Cutting the Wireless Umbilical

Technology can be a friend or a foe depending on how you treat it. We are surrounded with technology today that is far more advanced than we had it growing up and many of us are starting to realize that our kids are showing signs of immersion, isolation, and flat-out addiction to the devices that were intended to entertain or educate us. So what does a concerned parent do if their child or family member or close friend is...

...showing signs of handheld technology addiction?

Cut the wireless cord.

After researching this topic, I've decided to change my own behavior with regard to social media, web browsing, smart phone use and the like. But with a specific purpose - to be more prepared should a large event block, delay or destroy the technology we are accustomed to.

Here's the thing; you cannot actively participate or engage others or roam with your head on a swivel if you are locked into a device. I see it all the time, everywhere I go. And I notice it even more now that I've shut off all notifications on my phone. That's right. No dings, no vibrations, no badges or banners or lock-screen notifications whatsoever! And - yes - I did freak out a little at first. I experienced a few phantom "dings" or vibrations thinking that I was missing out. And once I realized it was all in my head I decided that taking back control is not only important for me, but for my children as well.

When we realized how deeply the conditioning has already set in, we all agreed to take steps to regain control. So while we pare back and take a technology diet, we will see a clearer perspective of those around us who remain immersed. And when they get cut off at a moments notice, whether it be from power outages, EMP strikes, or cell phone disturbance, we will have already faced this addiction down. While they deal with the anxiety and stress and the bad decisions that result, we'll be well on our way to bigger and better things because we will be, for a greater part, unaffected and on point.

For your own use, feel free to take a look at the links we've compiled from the show on Sunday. Keep in mind that while these are more centered around cell phones, these principles can also be used to curb addictions to video games, consoles, computers and other techno gadgets at your fingertips. Be sure to join us next week for another aspect of parenting and preparedness. If you have additional links to share, please comment below!

13 Ways To Break your iPhone Addiction (That Actually Work):
https://www.thrillist.com/tech/how-to-break-your-iphone-addiction-ways-to-stop-using-your-smartphone-so-much-am-i-addicted-to-my-smartphone

How to Stop Checking Your Phone Like an Addict:
https://thenextweb.com/lifehacks/2015/02/28/how-to-stop-checking-your-phone-like-an-addict/

Six Apps to Stop Your Smartphone Addiction:
https://www.inc.com/jeremy-goldman/6-apps-to-stop-your-smartphone-addiction.html

22 Ways to Break Up With Your Cell Phone:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/carolynkylstra/cell-phone-detox?utm_term=.oyknW14ak#.uu1rewx85

How to Beat an Addition to Cell Phones:
https://www.wikihow.com/Beat-an-Addiction-to-Cell-Phones

Addicted to Cell Phones? 5 Ways to Beat Your Phone Addiction:
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/addicted-your-mobile-phone-5-ways-beat-your-phone-addiction.html

Episode 8 - Kids, Technology and Altered Reality