How to Undigitalize Your Life
Modern life can be hectic and complicated. Often, this is caused by modern technology. This negative impact of modern technology is surprising since technology should help simplify tasks, save time and improve our lives. However, modern technology often does the opposite: it can decrease life satisfaction when used improperly. As we further our reliance on technology, we run the risk of exacerbating this issue by over-digitalizing our daily lives.
One way to alleviate the negative effects of technology is through “undigitalization”. This is the process of reducing or eliminating the presence of digital technology in your life. While this may sound inconvenient, I have found it actually makes my life simpler and more enjoyable.
Because so many areas of our lives have become digitalized, there are many ways to undigitalize your life. Here are three of the ways that I have undigitalized my life:
Delete Social Media.
Of the ways that I have undigitalized my life so far, I have benefited most from deleting social media. In my experience, these services are some of the worst aspects of digitalization in modern life. Social media often takes up an excessive amount of time while offering users little benefit. By ditching social media for alternative methods of communication, users can save time, making other areas of their lives seem less hectic.
Another benefit of deleting social media is that it can ironically boost social connectivity. Other ways of socializing, such as talking on the phone or meeting in person, are far more personable and allow people to form deeper connections. Although social media is supposed to make connecting to people easy and simple, it is often inefficient and cannot provide users with much beyond the shallow interactions of likes and comments. By opting for more traditional methods of communication, even digital ones such as texting, users can improve their relationships.
Write.
Another way that people can undigitalize their lives is by opting to write by hand more often. This is especially impactful in college, where students are taking notes on a near-daily basis. One benefit of handwriting notes is that it can boost the retention of information. In addition to note-taking in class, I have come to enjoy using a paper to-do list as I have found it is easier than trying to keep up with a to-do list on my phone.
Collect Physical Media
Media streaming services can be convenient—despite my efforts to undigitalize my life, I still use them. However, I have found that there is still a place for physical media despite their inconveniences. One benefit of physical media is that you own it. Streaming services often remove titles, especially movies and television shows. Even when buying digital media, users often do not technically own their purchase and can lose access if the service shuts down or something happens to their account. However, with physical media, such as DVDs, people do not run this risk; as long as they take care of their possessions, they will continue being able to enjoy their media whenever they want.
Another benefit of physical media is that it can allow for a greater sentimental connection to the media. I find this to be especially true with physical books, as writing in margins and underlining creates a unique and personal experience that an e-book could never compare to. Also, while vinyl is far less convenient than my Spotify subscription, the experience of hunting for used records and playing a vinyl album adds a new dimension to music listening for me.
