May I Have my Attention, Please?
It’s been a week-ish since I became so disheartened with some of the social media apps I frequent that I had to rethink the ethics of my continued participation. I didn’t delete my accounts, but I have not posted original content or looked at the apps for more than a few minutes each day. I still have a lot of questions for myself: how will I connect with readers and other creators? are there better spaces or is all social media problematic? will I be able to maintain my willpower to stay away from these highly addictive platforms once the initial disgust wears off? and lastly— is it social media and the billionaires it props up that I would like to avoid or is it the drain on my attention? (The answer to this last question is both.)
I have been hanging out on BlueSky lately, because it seems like a place I can build online connections without compromising my morals. I shared some resources I am leaning on right now to think about all of the many questions above. For those who are off of social media entirely, here are five things I am doing to take my attention back.
Candlelight Friday Nights. After dinner on Fridays, my family and I are doing no tech until bedtime. Instead, we are hanging out together and lighting tons of candles. For some reason, the candles make it easier to skip the tech. Is it magic? Is there science behind it? I believe it’s both but the candles are absolutely essential.
I am revisiting How to Do Nothing by Jenny O'Dell. I read it in 2020 and it is an absolute gem of a book that is the basis for my thinking on attention as a valuable resource.
I don’t have the mental strength to sit with nothing but my thoughts in a waiting room. I wish I did, but the truth is, I need to replace it with something else. I am switching from scrolling social media to reading an ebook from Libby on my phone when I need a distraction.
Crafting. Like so many people, especially my ND friends, meditation while sitting still is difficult for me. If I can glue beads, stitch embroidery, or make a collage with my hands I find it much easier to get into a flow state.
I just started the book, Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. I am into it so far and will update with any insights I glean from it.
And maybe with my extra time, I will start writing here more regularly?
