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| Cuba - horse and cart. Image Copyright |
Ever since I can remember, I have been far too restless to crash out in front of the TV - preferring to 'faff about' (as my husband puts it) - when I get home from work. I struggle to watch a programme from start to finish. After the first 5 minutes, I remember something that I'd rather be doing, so I get up and do it. If I'm watching a DVD, at least I can pause it, to the frustration of my long-suffering husband!
My evenings used to be peppered with shows that were started but never finished. All that has changed however, since the advent of catch-up TV and internet TV. I can now pause and resume at my leisure. It may take me a few hours (or days) to watch one show, but so be it.
Since working in the beauty industry and talking to my clients, I have found that I am not alone. Many of my clients either know someone who doesn't watch much (if any) TV, or they are that person. I seem to be part of a growing minority. People who feel the urge to be more productive in their spare time, or they choose to relax in different ways. Increasingly people seem to be engaging with (what would have traditionally been) TV content online. People can now also control what they watch and when they watch it.
Going to Cuba on holiday last week was an eye-opener! There are very few TV channels, and access to the internet is rare and very expensive. The village where we stayed had no internet whatsoever! Not even in the hotel! But the funny thing was, we didn't miss it! We went back to basics and had the best holiday! I was forced to acknowledge that although I hardly watch TV, I had slowly developed a reliance on the internet without realising it! It was a rude awakening!
I couldn't 'Google' stuff! If I didn't know something, it would have to wait until I could reference something called a book! I couldn't do online social networking. I couldn't do internet shopping. I couldn't do online banking. I couldn't send / receive emails! It was weird but liberating to be truly unplugged for a whole week! Not to mention, no Facebook! It was great to walk around, sit down, watch people go by, and to actually see things without 'virtual' distractions. With just my camera, pen and paper, and a good book for the evenings, I was able to really experience Cuba. It was amazing!
Since getting back, it has been easier to unplug, and my husband has also given up TV for a week to see how it goes. Could you do the technology detox challenge? You might actually enjoy it.
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