Episode 13 | Intentional Technology Use
Friday, May 24, 2024
In this episode, we are taking a break from creativity and talking about its antithesis - consumption. More specifically, we are looking at the way we consume technology and use our tech devices.
Episode Topics
- Tech stats
- Technology's impact on mental health and society
- Benefits of technology
- Creating intention and awareness around tech use
- Tech use and creativity
Tech Use in Numbers
- 40% of the world's population has access to the internet
- 90% of the world's data was generated within the last two years alone
- Only 8% of US households owned a personal computer in 1985
- 2.65 billion people in the world use social media
- 1 in every 5 Americans is smartphone-dependent
- Tech use and creativity
The Impact of Tech on Mental Health & Society
Technology has changed how we interact with each other as well as the outside world. It's become socially acceptable to use your phone in any setting - work, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
Benefits of Technology
Technology has its place. It's a form of evolution. We can outsource certain things to our devices, making parts of life efficient and easy. Why learn how to get anywhere when you can pull up an address in Google Maps? Answer the doorbell? Forget it. Text me when you get here, and I will let you in.
Consider what we all went through during the pandemic. Many businesses were able to continue because of advanced technology. Families were able to keep in contact with the aid of technology.
Technology at its core is not a bad thing.
Creating Intention & Awareness Around Tech
Consider your relationship with tech & your devices
It's not the drug that's the problem but your relationship with the drug. Technology is not bad; however, it does have parallels to addiction. So, when used as a pacifier, it can result in unhealthy patterns and habits.
Using tech to combat tech
Use technology for good by utilizing features and apps to control your usage or engage in meditation.
Creating intention
Guarantee that you are using tech intentionally by creating some guardrails and failsafes:
- Designated "tech spots" in the home
- Apps that lock your phone or specific apps
- Take the phone out of the bedroom
- Letting your devices die
Technology & Creativity
Technology can stifle creativity. Looking at examples or resources to spur creativity can actually hinder your own creative thought.
The Four Q's
During this show segment, we introduce four ways to interact with the material presented: A question to answer, a quest to complete, an aspect of creativity we've noticed this week, and a quote to ponder.
Question:
What is the best tactic you use for intentional technology use?
Quest:
Identify one aspect of tech use you need to create more intention around.
Quality Creativity:
The Black Mirror episode about an overprotective mother who monitors her daughter's whereabouts, leading to unintentional consequences.
Quote:
"Social media has made too many people comfortable with disrespecting others and not getting hit in the face for it."
- Unknown
Have a Creative Week!
Episode Credits
The Everyday Creative is hosted by Evie Soape and Emily Soape. It is produced by Emily Soape.
Please drop us a comment or question at hello@theeverydaycreativecollective.com. You can also find us on Instagram @theeverydaycreativecollective and Pinterest.
Theme Music: “Living Life” by Scott Holmes Music. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive.
Break Background Music: "Alive In It" by Ketsa. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive
Hi, we're Evie & Emily
Co-founders of The Everyday Creative Collective
We believe that everyone is creative. Creativity can be used to enrich everyday life. Click here to learn more.
