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").
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:
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!
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!
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! 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. :-)
Mary Catherine
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!!!! ;)
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.
Mary Catherine
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!). 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
Mary Catherine
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 Comments are closed.
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HELLO!I'm Mary Catherine, a Cape Cod-based yoga teacher, painter, designer, writer, mom, and list-maker extraordinaire. My goal is to inspire you to start living a more creative, simple, joyful, + purposeful life.
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