Starr Struck Radio, Episode #17: Technology Addiction + Mindfulness

5/5/2015

I've been wanting to do a show about technology addiction ever since we started the podcast. I think it's SO real, SO prevalent, and SO important that we should all be talking about it and thinking about it as much as possible.

If you're a millennial, or if you're in the generation slightly above or in any of the generations below, then I think you're probably at least somewhat addicted to your smartphone (and to the internet). Even if you don't think that you are, you probably display some of the symptoms, and that's what we're talking about in today's episode--how to be more mindful of these symptoms and how to start being more present in our technology-filled world.

We also welcome Ben back from a two-week hiatus, and he comes on strong with some rants about technology that are not to be missed ;)

Here's a short description of the show:

It's time--we made it through 16 episodes before talking about it, but we can't hold off any longer--today we're discussing our generation's relationship with/addiction to technology. In the first half of the episode, we share our personal experiences with technology and all of the problems, pressures, and issues that can arise from living in a world so dominated by smart devices. In the second half of the episode, we discuss the science behind technology addiction, mindfulness + how to be more mindful when it comes to how you interact with your technology, and we share some quick tips for how to start breaking the addictive patterns in your daily life.

You can listen to the episode below OR by downloading and/or subscribing in iTunes or Stitcher (be sure you search "Starr Struck Radio").

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES

As promised, here are some great articles about technology addiction and what technology does to the brain, many of which were used as sources for this episode:

Exploiting the Neuroscience of Internet Addiction
Why We're All Addicted to Texts, Twitter, and Google
Digital Overload: Your Brain on Gadgets
I'm addicted to email. Are you? [A post that I wrote for MindBodyGreen back in 2013! As you can see, this isn't my first time at the rodeo...]

Lastly, here's the link to learn more + register for my upcoming Branding Essentials for Small Biz Owners + Solopreneurs workshop here on the Cape (as mentioned in this week's break).

If you're new to Starr Struck Radio, you can find the FAQs (how to listen, description of the show, etc.) here.

As always, thanks so much for listening!

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Denise

5/4/2015 09:42:00 pm

First, let me just say that you know you're putting out a fantastic podcast when your listeners get excited to see a new episode posted! I definitely got a little jolt of happiness when I saw a new episode in my feed. And then when I listened, I was laughing at the dopamine conversation, because I totally had that little dopamine buzz at the mere thought of a new StarStruck podcast!

And I was not disappointed! I think every single listener can relate to every single thing you guys discussed. I am the same as Mary Catherine; if I have to wait for more than 15 seconds I pull out my phone without being mindful that I'm doing it. And when I am mindful, it takes so much effort to resist! It's terrible! I often think: "You used to wait in line or at red lights with just your thoughts, and you didn't even know it was a thing! You could just be with your thoughts!" I miss that.

Another time that I really, really, really try to be mindful is when I'm with my son. No matter how engaged you are with your kids, no matter how much you try to be present for them, it is hard to sustain that level of engagement when you're with them all the time. And I realized recently that when I get bored (which, if parents are being honest, happens a lot when you're with kids) you start craving adult interaction/brain stimulation and so you pick up your phone. It's terrible. In fact, the Wall Street Journal wrote an article about "Parenting While Texting" citing the increase in childhood injuries because parents are distracted on the phone.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444772404577589683644202996

I was at a playground with my niece about a year ago and I saw a little girl playing. She kept calling to her dad from the equipment while he was scrolling on his phone; he'd give the distracted "Mm-hmm" but was basically ignoring her. Eventually she got off the slide, went up to him on the bench, put her little hands on his face and yelled, "Look at me!!!" It was jarring. I think about that all the time now when I'm with my son.

Anyway, thanks for another great podcast! I'm already sad that there are only three episodes left this season; between you guys and Mad Men, I'm distraught! :)

Mary Catherine

5/6/2015 09:34:36 pm

Thanks for this great comment, Denise! I love it that the podcast gave you a dopamine buzz, that's hysterical :) And the little girl at the playground--what an amazing reminder of how our tech addictions can affect those that we love! Thanks for sharing...and for listening and being so wonderful. xoxo!

Atulya link

5/5/2015 07:19:04 am

Fortunately, I'm just on the edge of the generations more affected by this addiction. It's very interesting to see it happening all around me and to observe the level in which my addiction affects me. When you're at a bus stop or subway stop everyone is looking down at their phone. It's slightly bizarre! I hope I can keep my addiction at its current level or below. At the very least for my neck's sake. :-)

5/6/2015 09:36:11 pm

I know--so strange how no one looks around, or even up (!) in public now, huh!? You're lucky you've remained a bit more healthy as things have changed...stay strong!!!! ;)

Jeanette link

5/5/2015 10:53:56 pm

Ok, I had no idea that the phantom vibrate was a thing. I thought it was just me being crazy cause I feel that in my purse ALL. THE. TIME! I agree with everything you guys said about this pull and constant urge to be on social media or respond to an email within minutes of receiving it. I used to do a Freedom Friday on my blog to encourage people to go social medial free for one free day. Some Friday’s I would wait till midnight and gorge on FB/IG from having not checked all day. How pathetic is that? I hate the control that I feel it has over me.

What also sucks is that I have a number of meditation apps on my phone and if I forget to turn off the sound, I’ll get a sound alert while meditating and it’s all I can think of. Ugh. The struggle is real.

I have like 9 more minutes of the podcast to listen to so I’m sure you’ll give some helpful tips but I couldn’t resist writing to you.

P.S. Tell Ben that I can’t stand group texts as well ;)

First world problems all the way…

5/6/2015 09:37:45 pm

I love the Freedom Friday idea, Jeanette! Genius! But probably so hard (and hysterical how you would "binge" at midnight, haha!).

And yeah, girl, you have GOT to get those alerts under control when you're meditating...#firstworldproblems ALL THE WAY.

Thanks for sharing! xo

Jane Hinchliffe link

5/7/2015 09:04:59 pm

Hi Mary Catherine and Ben - I loved this podcast and have to say I'm definitely struggling with this. In fact, I just got back from the gym and whilst still drying myself, I heard my phone alerting me to various notifications and I found myself sneaking out of the shower totally wet, just to look! I'm now deciding to 'watch myself' and just be curious with this whole thing and look more closely at how I'm feeling, what the 'real issue' is with this etc. I had been using an app to track online usage but got fed up of it because then I was looking into the stats too obsessively lol!!! Very informative and easy listening. Have a great weekend on your deck and with Sadie and leave the phone inside - yay! Jane x

5/7/2015 11:35:02 pm

Haha! This cracked me up, Jane! I'm so glad there are SO many people out there who can relate, but now the challenge is how to make some changes! Tough stuff. And hysterical about the app that you used to track--I would become obsessed with those stats, too. Haha! Thanks for sharing, really brought a smile to my face :) xoxo

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