I'm controlling and composing By pressing down a special key, it plays a little melody...

I'm controlling and composing

By pressing down a special key, it plays a little melody...

So, the wonderful DigiKnowVember in Renfrewshire is well underway. As if you didn’t know, DigiKnowVember is about encouraging everyone to become more confident, connected, and clued-up in the digital world. From beginners to seasoned users, DigiKnowVember is about making digital knowledge accessible, useful, and empowering for everyone.

See here: https://engagerenfrewshire.org/resources/digiren-network.html

Whilst we’ve all been chipping in regards the wonderful world of digital for DigiKnowVember we’ve also been thinking about our own digital habits – which is code for ‘Am I online too much?’ Reducing screen time for me shouldn’t be about deprivation — it’s about reclaiming some space to think, connect, and perhaps share ideas in person

From a personal point of view I certainly don’t believe it’s about redesigning my digital routine - you know the sort of thing - intentionally setting out when I’m ‘allowed’ online. I’m more in favour of reviewing what’s essential vs. what’s habitual. How many of us pick up our phones first thing in the morning as our eyes are barely open? Yup. Thought so. Surely nothing at that time of day (except snoozing your alarm) is that important?

I also think there’s something in device-free spaces, e.g. at meals for example. I remember reading about groups of friends who agreed when out for dinner that the first person to pick up their phone pays the bill…

Anybody out there leading by example? Are you prioritising wellbeing but not digital disengagement? Are you telling people so that it empowers others to do the same? Is it ok to attempt to promote healthier digital practice while still relying on your phone to be the essential tool it obviously is?

And by the way I still – shocking revelation coming up! – use my phone to call people…sometimes I call without texting them first to find out if it's ok to call...how crazy is that?! And I still write down things in notebooks. This is better for me when keeping important notes for two reasons:

1. It’s tactile and

2. I can doodle in the margins…

All the best

Alan