The effects of computer games (especially on young, violent children) has been widely debated for many years. With the more recent portability and accessibility of technology and the wider usage of it, the idea of technology addiction has been discussed over the last couple of years. The University of Maryland (NOT affiliated with a fried chicken eatery located in the Midlands) published a study at the beginning of the year regarding the effects of technology withdrawal, and they called it “Unplugged”. 125 of the volunteers were from Bournemouth, and for 24 hours all they could access were land line telephones and books. No Twitter, Facebook, emails, text messages, television or radio for this period, and they all kept diaries recording their feelings. Isolation, anxiety and fidgeting; symptoms that they said they had experienced which are all comparable to those experienced by drug addicts trying to kick the habit. The more recent “Square Eyes” poll conducted by esure insurance backed up this research, and also suggested that we spend more time looking at screens than we do sleeping.
Since I’ve been home, I have been without a mobile phone – it will be two weeks tomorrow. I think it is more frustrating than anything else, mainly because I don’t have the numbers written down anywhere else – which means relying solely on Facebook, emails and the land line. Any fleeting feelings of isolation could be attributed to the fact that I’m home alone, and we have no neighbours (bar some chickens and sheep – and I’m not entirely sure they count). I still have access to all other technologies (albeit a ridiculously slow internet speed which means I can’t even watch stuff on YouTube), so I can’t really compare. On the other hand, it has been two weeks, and although slightly inconvenient, it hasn’t really affected my day to day living, or personal health and general well being. 24 hours really isn’t that long? And if you took this study further, into other parts of our lives, I’m sure you would find similar results. Stopping a fitness fanatic doing any exercise. Forcing a foodie to exist entirely on microwave meals. Taking away a driver’s car. I can’t think of any more right now, but I’m sure you get the picture. For all those of you that don’t feel the same way, the University of Kent is devising ways to enable people to put down their iphone/blackberry – so don’t worry, help is on its way.
In other news, it is now officially less than 3 weeks until Glastonbury. I’ve had an email telling me my ticket should arrive soon, but that was a while ago and it still isn’t here. Nervous anticipation. I did go shopping yesterday though – and I was very good, not my usual ridiculous money frittering self – I’ve bought 2 pairs of shoes, a hat, a headscarf and a lip balm for under a tenner. Hooray for me! Still need to acquire a tent and some wellies though…
mydisgustinghabit 