People are spending more and more time on their phones. This can be especially true of SAIT students, who use computers while on campus during the day, and then have their phone time at night.
As a way to help students spend less time using screens, a group called Outreach and Wellness Leaders (OWLS) has started a campaign known as Disconnect to Reconnect, which is a measure with a mindful message ensuring the mental and physical well-being of those on the SAIT campus.
This annual, weeklong campaign was first organized in 2019 to provide students with a much-needed break from technological devices. It was not held from 2020 to 2022, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Humans thrive on social interaction,” said Emma Rodgers, one of the organizers of the campaign.
Face-to-face conversations, eye contact, and facial expressions are important parts of communication.
“We use cell phones for communication, we use them for social connection online,” said Rodgers.
As gadgets have advanced and virtual communication becomes easier, that could make people vulnerable to losing real-world connections.
According to statistics from Apple, an average iPhone user unlocks their device up to 80 times a day, which can equate to seven hours of screen time, excluding study, lectures, TV and online gaming hours.
The recommended screen time limit is two hours, however individuals are exceeding this by four or five times a day.
Everybody has been so bustling on their screens that people often miss things like discussions with neighbours, conversations among groups of friends and smiles from stranger, added Rodgers.
The negative impacts of social media are not illustrated when it comes to individual well-being and day-to-day activities associated with brain function and productivity.
Use of social media can also affect how, and how much, people converse. Among today’s generation, social media is seen as a form of escapism from the real world.
“You’re not really dealing with the issue,” said Art Kung, an attendee of the campaign.
As a consequence, the campaign was created to encourage student participation in real world interactions.
During the weeklong campaign, students played board games and enjoyed snacks and drinks. Workshops focused on teaching the students on how they can reconnect more. Applications on digital devices which allow the user to track screen time were introduced. Furthermore, students were also encouraged to add distracting apps to a blocked list, with the goal to focus more on daily activities.
“We are trying to provide a community where people come and are ready to speak to somebody,” said Kung.
It’s not completely right to say that social media is a bad influence on individuals. Many instances can be seen where it has helped society make connections.
