Sometimes it scares me to think about how much time I spend in front of a screen. Between my phone, my computer, and my television, I spend a significant amount of my day engaged in technology. The worst part is, in some ways it is like I've trained my brain to think that I need to do those things in order to relax, feel connected to others, and maybe even feel happy. That is what worries me the most.
It's not always a bad thing. In fact, there are some really great things that come from technology. And sometimes it really is nice to just come home from a long day at work and turn on Netflix so I don't have to think about anything for awhile. But I think the problem for me is that when I turn to the internet or TV in a moment of relaxation, it can so easily become hours of idleness. When that happens, I always feel worse than when I sat down to take a break. I never feel recharged or re-energized.
I think one reason for that is that the kind of moments that give meaning to our lives and fill us with positive energy and emotions don't happen in front of a screen. Sure, watching an uplifting or funny TV show or winning a game on our phone can temporarily engage us in good thoughts and emotions. But that is not the kind of happiness that lasts. Real happiness and real love is found in real life moments. Along those same lines, getting 30 likes for a shared photo on Facebook can also bring a temporary feeling of worth and validation. But real confidence and self-worth doesn't come from what others like or recognize on the internet. It comes from real experiences with healthy relationships as we love and accept ourselves and others.
I've decided to end of this year on a better note and to make the holiday season more special and meaningful, by using my time differently. I want to spend more of my time in real life moments of healthiness, happiness, and love. Instead of watching Netflix when I have alone time at home, I could watch conference talks, read, cook, clean, exercise or create something. Instead of constantly trying to keep up with other people on the internet, I could actually talk to someone in person, serve someone, or do something active. It might be difficult to take a small step back from technology in this world, but I believe that it can be really beneficial, because I don't think we can find true happiness on a screen.
