Yesterday I wrote a post about putting away phones (you can read it here). The Lord helped me think through how my phone distracted me in 2020. And two books were incredibly useful in doing this.
Carl Newport wrote the books Deep Work and Digital Minimalism both which were built on the idea that we are too distracted. Digital Minimalism in particular explained how technology such as social-media has too much of an influence in our lives.
The sad truth is he’s right! For many of us, apps such as twitter or facebook have become a massive part of our day. With the first hint of boredom our hand reaches for our phones!!!
Which is why Newport encourages a very drastic step….
Delete your social media apps!
He encourages a month-long break from these sites completely (at least two-weeks) this is because like most addictions, there will be withdrawal symptoms from leaving social media. It is only after the initial panic is gone that we can see clearly.
I did follow through with a two-week break in 2020 and can tell you it helped me immensely. Later I integrated into using Facebook only from my computer, and then a web browser on my phone.
Sadly, I’ve slipped back into over-using Facebook because it’s my primary tool for communicating with prayer supporters. But part of me wonders if it’s time for another two-week break (or longer) so a healthier form of communication can take place.
Johnhwilburn.com 
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