In honour of the Australian Psychological Society’s Psychology Week and the theme of thriving in the digital age, I wanted to write about ways to put some boundaries around use of mobile phones, while also celebrating these amazing devices.
Is a complete digital detox necessary?
A mobile phone can be a fantastic life assistant. Personally, I use mine to keep in touch with clients when I am out of the office, to manage bank accounts, book my fitness sessions, as my alarm clock, my weather reporter and my mindfulness guru.
I have apps to keep me up to date with what is happening at my kids’ school, the latest mental health drugs, help me learn a new language, and even to order my coffee for my morning walk by the beach!
My travel itinerary is always stored on my phone, I can check transport timetables and book taxis and Ubers, I can use my phone as a remote for my TV, and to play music.
Of course, I also use it to talk to friends and family and to take photos of my day.
These devices really are amazing. No wonder we have trouble putting them down!
So, do we need a digital detox?
