In this post, we shall see if there is even any point in comparing video games vs books. Is one really better than another? There has always been a debate about which one is more beneficial, especially for school-aged users. Reading books has always been considered more academic and educational. Teachers and parents have been pushing more limitations on video game access, believing that it could provide more detrimental effects on one’s development. But now that playing video games professionally has officially been considered a career, has its age-old reputation been trumped over?
[Read more…]Do You Need to Go on a Digital Diet?
I’ve got several questions for you on this Monday morning:
- Have you ever realized that you were texting while your child was telling you about her day at school and later couldn’t remember any of the details of the story?
- Does a ringing/vibrating cell phone interrupt and trump everything else?
- Do you feel anxious if you’re offline for any length of time?
- Do you know you shouldn’t be texting and driving — but still do it?
- Have you ever felt that something hasn’t really happened until you post it on Facebook or tweet about it?
- Do you find that your family can be in the same room but not talking to one another because you’re each interacting with a different device?
Pardon me if answering questions is not on your list of Monday morning tasks, but these questions just might help you live a more fulfilling life – NOT! Seriously, though, if you have not heard of this book called The Digital Diet, then you might want to check it out. This is especially true of you answered yes to any of the questions above.
Authored by Daniel Sieberg, tech guru and correspondent for the likes of ABC, MSNBC, CBS, and CNN, the book is all about “de-teching”. The idea came about thanks to the author’s realization that he was becoming overdependent on technology. With a career that is largely based on technology, his situation might be more understandable. But how about the average person who may not need too much tech (and gadgets) in his life?
One cannot deny it – we are overwhelmed by all sorts of gadgets these days. Think about it – how many computers do you own? How many mobile phones and mp3 players do you have? How many gadgets do you “need” when you go out? I have to be honest and admit that I might have a need to read this book. As you can see, here at Gadzooki, we do have a penchant for gadgets. And there is nothing wrong about that. The problem arises, perhaps, when one can’t go out without a mobile phone, an iPod Touch, an iPad, and a laptop. Throw in an iPod nano (just because it has music that the others don’t have) into the fray – you get the picture.
The book is all about a 4-step action plan which can help you re-focus and get your priorities straight, without totally eliminating tech from your life. I’d never suggest that anyway! Here are those four steps.
Step 1//Re: Think:
Consider how technology has overwhelmed our society and the effect it’s had on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Step 2//Re: Boot:
Take stock of your digital intake using Sieberg’s Virtual Weight Index and step back from the device.
Step 3//Re: Connect:
Focus on restoring the relationships that have been harmed by the technology in your life.
Step 4//Re: Vitalize:
Learn how to live with technology—the healthy way, by optimizing your time spent e-mailing, texting, on Facebook, and web surfing.
At the end of the day, it’s all about living a life that is not centered on technology and gadgets. And while we may be all about “I want one!” here at Gadzooki, we also understand that there is more to life than cool gadgets!
You can get a copy of this book at Amazon for $9.89.