Digital detox, influence of technology in our lives.

1. DIGITAL DETOX
The influence
of technology
in our lives
Created by: Bulelwa Kafu

2. What is Digital Detox?
According to the Oxford Dictionary a Digital Detox is a
planned time period during which an individual
abstains from using electronic gadgets such as laptops,
tablets or smartphones, this can be done as an
opportunity to increase the traditional social
interactions, clear the mind from information overload
and release stress.

3. How addicted are you to technology?
Research suggest that;
• An average person check their phone at least
two hundred times a day
• One in four people spend more time online
than they do asleep
• 70% of young adults prefer texting to talking
• An average teenager sends 3,400 electronic
messages a month

4. Risks of digital addiction
It’s a problem that we can’t put our
smartphones down when driving to make
sure we don’t kill ourselves or someone else
• Fatal crashes resulting in death are caused
by driver’s distraction while using
smartphones
• The reaction times of texting driver
deteriorated by 35 per cent, much worse
than those who drank alcohol at the legal
limit.
• When texting, you tend to wander across
the lane

5. Signs that you are digitally addicted
• You'd rather spend time interfacing with technology
than pursuing other activities or responsibilities in
life.
• You are more concerned about letting down your
online friends, than letting down those closest to
you.
• One of the first things you do every morning is get
online to check text or social media conversations.
• People in your life are constantly irritable about the
amount of time you spend gaming, using
computers, smartphones, or social networking.
• You experience fear of missing out “FoMO” if you
spend a day or two without connecting to social
media

6. 5 Ways to a Digital Detox
• Do not carry your laptop/smartphone
everywhere you go.
• Experiment by having an hour digital
vacation everyday.
• Have more face to face interactions
• When on vacation choose a digital free zone
e.g. Mountain Lodges
• Participate in outdoor physical activities e.g.
Running, Mountain Climbing or Cycling

7. Looking for Digital Detox places in South
Africa?
Individual recommendations
• Amakhosi Safari Lodge , Pongola, KZN
• The Gorge Private Game Lodge, KZN
• Jozini Tiger Lodge, Jozini, KZN
• Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze, KZN

8. “We are analog beings living in a
digital world, facing a quantum
future.”
Neil Turok

9. THANK YOU

10. References
• Arrivealivecoza. (2017). Arrive Alive. Retrieved 12 February,
2017, from https://www.arrivealive.co.za/Texting-and-
Distracted-Driving
• Thefixcom. (2017). The Fix. Retrieved 12 February, 2017, from
https://www.thefix.com/content/digital-addictions-are-real-
addictions
• Netaddictionrecoverycom. (2017). ReSTART Life | Treatment
for Internet, Video Game Addiction. Retrieved 12 February,
2017, from https://netaddictionrecovery.com/the-
problem/gaming-addiction/390-8-signs-you-may-need-help-
for-problematic-technology-use.html