I am in the middle of a device free week.
Not by choice, my PC took a powder, and is in the ‘hospital’ for surgery. Now, at the close of day 5 I feel like the Black Knight, still kicking, but no arms.
The term digital impotence springs to mind.
It is interesting to reflect at such a time on the dependence we have developed to these things. This post is being done on one of my kids computers, a bit like the Black Knight landing a feeble kick on his opponent. Might make him feel better but is effectively useless.
Ages ago in an effort to retain some control of my time, I decided that I would not connect my phone to my email. Clients who might need me at short notice all have my mobile, so I do not need the constant email alerts going off, they are nothing but an unwelcome distraction, and kill battery life. However, being disconnected since Wednesday morning is starting to have psychological effects.
Sweating, worrying that I just might have missed a return communication from someone not yet a client, but who is keen to be, a link to something that I would have liked the time to consider, the list drags on, and on, as does the time.
Nir Eyal writes about the habits we form, with some focus on digital products, his book ‘Hooked” is a disturbing, enlightening and fascinating read, but I thought I was largely immune.
No so.
Please give me back my PC before I lose my legs as well.
