I recently experienced ten days without access to a computer, mobile phone, television, radio, or even newspaper. No texts, E-mails, twitters or Facebook. I discovered that not only did the world get along perfectly well without being able to communicate with me but for myself it proved to be very pleasant indeed.
A period of not being bombarded with bad news was not missed. I had no idea of; how many were daily being killed in Syria or Afghanistan, details of trials of local low life, the current situation of the Euro, of violence and mayhem, of the latest storms and earthquakes. (The ‘News’ we are continually bombarded with is indeed enough to make the most cheerful soul depressed.) Neither was I rushing to hear the latest weather forecast, which frequently turned out to be wrong anyway.
The huge amount of time normally taken up with various electronic gadgetry or keeping up with he latest news was replaced by relaxed meals, interesting conversation, enjoyable walks and good books.
Now returned to the ‘real world’ I am wondering how we came to the situation where we always have to be in contact, or know exactly what is going on in the world at any given minute..
Recently a radio programme showed how hooked we are on our electronic devices. A panel discussed the case of a restaurant which, in an attempt to have patrons relax and enjoy the evening, offered a 10% discount to diners who surrendered their mobile phones at reception for duration of their meal. Not one of the panellists would be prepared take up such an offer. These panellists were not the cabinet ministers or critical incident responders but fairly run of the mill folk. Why could they not even enjoy a meal without the thought that they could not be contacted for a couple of hours?
It is interesting to watch a television programme or film from as recently as the 1980/90s. life seemed to go along very successfully without the electronic gadgets which we now find to be essential. Clearly there were less pressures, more opportunity to enjoy life.
Everybody needs periods of recreation, even more so these days. Going for a walk, bike ride, or gardening with a mobile phone in your pocket is not recreation. While the clock cannot be turned back, we could deliberately switch that mobile off and determine not to check E-mails for a day every weekend. You’ll appreciate a regular electronic free day – and the world will keep turning.
Mike Beckett
