Men Have Become the Tools of Their Tools
Exploring the 'efficiency trap' that is technology, and our over-reliance on it.
Michael Briggs
2/7/20243 min read
How much of what we are consuming are we really taking in? Are we paying attention, or simply passing time? It seems a funny paradox of modern society that people ‘switch on in order to switch off’.
The title of this blog, a quote by Henry David Thoreau, refers to the way in which the technology we use to solve problems and increase efficiency only makes us lazier and more dependent. 10 years ago, a survey of 400 GPs across Australia found nearly 50 per cent had seen one or more cases of 'pathological internet use' (or internet addiction).
Today, the global prevalence of PIU is estimated to be approximately 6%, with the highest rates seen in male adolescents. In Sydney, a treatment facility for internet addiction has been set up to restore sleeping patterns and address underlying mental health issues.
On a mass scale, the impact of technology has the power to change a society. Transcendental thinkers believe that life should be purely intellectual and spiritual without the side effects of outside contamination. I believe we all have a tendency to dip in and out of transcendental thought and, perhaps misguidedly, we search for answers and get lost along the way. Taken to the extreme this reliance on technology to find meaning and purpose only creates more confusion – as we are constantly reminded of what we don’t have, should have, need to be, or could be.
The term "efficiency trap" refers to a situation where efforts to increase efficiency end up causing unintended negative consequences or problems. It's like when you try to make something work better or faster, but in doing so, you accidentally create new issues or make existing ones worse. This 'efficiency trap' can also be spoken about in terms of the ways in which technology robs us of our attention spans. The underlying assumption being that if we do more, we will have less to do. But it doesn't work out this way, any any white collar worker will tell you, as the more we do the more we find there is something else that immediately takes it's place.
So if retreating in to social media and striving to complete more tasks in the hope of 'freeing up time' is not the answer, our focus should be to disconnect and to accept and embrace our limitations.
Here are some practical tips to get you started:
Recognize the Problem: Acknowledge that you may have a problem with excessive internet use. Understanding and accepting that there is an issue is the first step towards addressing it.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for your internet usage. Determine specific times of the day when you will allow yourself to go online and stick to these limits. Use tools such as website blockers or screen time tracking apps to help enforce these boundaries.
Identify Triggers: Pay attention to the situations or emotions that trigger your excessive internet use. Whether it's boredom, stress, loneliness, or something else, understanding your triggers can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Find Alternative Activities: Identify alternative activities to engage in when you feel the urge to use the internet excessively. This could include hobbies, exercise, spending time with friends and family, or pursuing personal interests.
Practice Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to become more aware of your thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness can help you recognize when you're engaging in compulsive internet use and empower you to make more conscious choices.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Talking to someone about your struggles can provide emotional support and help you develop strategies for managing your internet use.
Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and can provide encouragement and accountability. Limiting your exposure to environments or individuals that enable your pathological internet use can also be helpful.
Set Realistic Goals: Set realistic and achievable goals for reducing your internet use. Start small and gradually increase your efforts over time. Celebrate your progress and be patient with yourself during setbacks.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by prioritizing self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Consider Professional Help: If your internet use is significantly impacting your daily life and you're unable to control it on your own, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in internet addiction. They can provide personalized support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Contacts
michaelrbriggs@gmail.com