Technology and Us
In the network, we spoke extensively about the role of (digital) technology in our everyday lives. We often thought about the extent to which we depended on systems, licences and subscriptions. In work contexts, there are often established systems that we must abide by. In this technologically monopolised landscape, it can seem hard to picture alternatives. We often use programs as they come, leaving their default settings untouched. We are quicker to adapt ourselves than to adapt the technology to suit our needs. Our agency is further limited by the fact that we often do not truly understand the systems in the first place. This calls for better foundational education and expertise.
Alistair Alexander prepared a small exercise for the network group intended to enhance our understanding of how we use technology in our everyday lives and how we would actually like to use it. The exercise prompted intriguing discussions on our everyday use of various technologies, which is why we would like to list the questions here.
At home - Disconnect/Reconnect
- Can we find places in our lives where it is better not to use tech?
- What would happen if we left our smartphones at home?
- Are there things we do online – which we could actually do offline?
- Can we find things we love to do – where we can remove our technology altogether?
- Are there ways we can reconnect with the people around us?
Slow down...
- Can we switch off when we want to?
- Can we turn notifications off?
- What happens if we don’t respond?
Find things that mean something
- What are the things we do online that:
- Make a meaningful difference?
- We can't do otherwise?
- Spark joy?
Finding the balance
- What would give us better online/offline balance in our lives?
- What boundaries can we set with our digital devices?
- How can our tech let life flourish? The things we do online that are really worth doing.
- Are there ways we can use tech that help us replenish ecologies around us?
Repair/re-use
- Do we really need new tech?
- What would it take to keep our old devices going?
- What happens to our old tech?
Declutter/simplify
- What tools/apps/devices do we really need?
- What can we get rid of?
- Are there apps/patterns in our lives that induce addictive behaviour?
Seek out new better spaces
- Is frictionless really good?
- Is scale always good? What about small strong communities?
- Do we need to find new ways to connect?
- Can we find more convivial tools and platforms?
- Can we move to different spaces together?