Why become a member of Digital Detox Canada

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We are happy to announce a membership to Digital Detox Canada is now available through a paypal subscription.

What can you gain from joining? First of all we are here to respond to your needs related to our goals. Do you have a question about online safety? Do you long for the revival of 80s styles and real connections? We are here for you creating in person events and spreading awareness of how we can continue to learn and grow with great innovations yet do so with community and physical engagement.


 

Everything is Dance

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And dance is everything. 

We are all in a dynamic motion with everything else.

At the same time, this is likely one of the most prevalent times of human stillness we’ve ever had in history.

Yet, we are getting so much done. Sometimes to the detriment of our habitat, other times to its benefit (I hope).

It used to be that one had to be affluent to be an artist, or able to live as a “starving artist” frugally – possibly failing to support your dependents yet leaving a legacy of important writing or visual art, music or invention. Science was once an art, before it became Science.

Now the possibility for the average person to become an artist, or at least explore artistic mediums (now including digital mediums) and the personal journey into creativity is widely more available, and availed of by many… which is worth celebrating.

At the same time we find ourselves on a precipice of exponential imitation capabilities-and thus threatening the intellectual property of not only individuals but the heritage they embody, the pressure to monetize -which for some can be in direct opposition to the artistic work- and numerous other ethical & physical issues.

Through the journey of digital detox let us take time to reflect on our process and incorporate a more artistic mindset which includes mindfulness, curiosity and experimentation. 

If you are an artist in the community I encourage you to attend our upcoming training to become a digital detox training facilitator, coach, leader and influencer.

 

Mitigating Negative Impacts of Digital Technology

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In today’s digital age, the pervasive use of technology has brought about numerous benefits, but it has also raised concerns about its negative impacts on various aspects of our lives. From mental and physical health to productivity and social interactions, the negative effects of digital technology are becoming increasingly pronounced. However, there are practical ways to mitigate these negative impacts and foster a healthier relationship with technology.

1. Establishing Digital Boundaries

  • Setting clear boundaries for technology use can help mitigate its negative impacts. This includes defining specific times for digital detox, such as during meals, before bedtime, and during social interactions. By consciously limiting screen time, individuals can reduce the negative effects of technology on their mental well-being and relationships.

2. Practicing Mindfulness and Focus

  • Digital technologies can often lead to distractions and reduced attention spans. Practicing mindfulness and cultivating the ability to focus on tasks without constant digital interruptions can help mitigate the negative impact of technology on productivity and sustained attention.

3. Promoting Physical Activity

  • Sedentary lifestyles fostered by excessive technology use can lead to various physical health issues. Encouraging regular physical activity and reducing prolonged periods of sitting with digital devices can mitigate the negative physical impacts of technology, such as obesity, back and neck problems, and eye strain.

4. Educating and Raising Awareness

  • Increasing awareness about the negative impacts of technology and providing education on responsible and balanced technology use can help individuals make informed choices. This includes understanding the potential mental health effects, the importance of digital boundaries, and the risks of overexposure to technology.

5. Leveraging Technology for Well-being

  • While technology can have negative impacts, it can also be harnessed to promote well-being. Utilizing technology for mindfulness apps, digital well-being tools, and online resources for mental health support can help counterbalance the negative effects of technology and promote a healthier digital lifestyle.

By implementing these practical strategies, individuals can mitigate the negative impacts of digital technology and cultivate a balanced and mindful approach to its use. It’s essential to recognize the potential drawbacks of technology and take proactive steps to foster a healthy relationship with digital tools in our daily lives.

Remember, while technology offers numerous benefits, being mindful of its potential negative impacts is crucial for maintaining overall well-being in the digital age.

Brought to you by you.com! But we pretty much agree! What’s your way to practice digital hygiene?

June 2023

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It’s been quite a month. Highlights for me included hearing NASA’s warning on the radio about a possible upcoming “internet apocalypse” due to the sun’s activities. Then, Ontario announced a new “digital literacy” addition to the English and French language curriculum starting in grade one. Wow! There was one more thing…. oh yes, a partial coup, a rumoured nuclear threat hanging over Europe, and me, sitting here with the other Turtle Islanders suffering in the smoky haze. 

Let’s focus on the positive. I’m not here to repeat the stories of the day, as my new friend at the coffee shop said, there’s not much I can do about it so I don’t need to know or worry about it. He was playing Sudoko. A game I’ve never tried. He explained it in a surface way, and then referred me to youtube.

He said he likes to do offline activities like Sudoko to stay off of social media platforms like Tik Tok since he already struggles enough with attention span. (Tik Tok is known to change attention spans).

He confessed he may go to the beach later and snap a “thirst trap” photo – to which I had to ask, what’s a thirst trap photo? I’d never heard the term before. 

Celebrating the addition of digital literacy to the curriculum here is big. As I counselled my esl students in class today, if you can name it, you can do it. You need to know the terminology to be able to learn about something. 

For example html isn’t that hard. But if you don’t know what html is, then how can you learn css? Similarly, if you don’t know what a digital detox is, how can you do it?

 

 

What are we doing? Creation or Consumption

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There has never been an easier time to write. If you can talk, you can write.

There has never been an easier time to publish, there is virtually no cost to it, and anyone can do it.

Some of the techniques, or tactics towards a consciousness of the value of digital detox, and instilling it into our lifestyle practices, may seem counterintuitive. For example, you may attend a an online workshop on how to do your DD.

Similarly, as we move from passive consumers to active co-creators, we are encouraging people to go from mindless, viewing, scrolling, and game playing to publishing, podcasting and participating.

This simple art of turning around the flow of energy serves to spark a new awareness and appreciation/reflection that is needed to establish personal boundaries and healthy practises.

In fact, this is a marketing bonus for educators to latch onto the passion students show for their devices, and empower them to participate in safe ways with the creation of their own examples of communication. We absolutely need to do this, and not be shy. The fact is students are doing it anyway, but at the moment they may lack guidance, limits, or knowledge of limits, or mode of reflection.

Digital Detox Canada is here to provide the support in terms of training & workshops with students, parents and teachers as well as support materials and online publishing in real time to the channels where we find eyes and ears. We seek to instil informational and inspirational content, leadership, and support on this journey of discovery.

Digital Boundaries

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Digital boundaries or something that we have to negotiate in a new way – it’s a new category of boundary setting.

We are the first generation of humans that we know of to undergo such a dramatic technological shift. The development of the internet by the US military was indeed a historic event. This course will explore the climate of impact of the human activities preceding the planned fourth industrial revolution which includes robots, dependence on algorithms & increasingly complex Artificial Intelligence.

For centuries, humans have been making progress and innovating in ways that have changed the course of our history. But the dawn of the 21st century marked a new era of innovation and advancement that has completely transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. We are the first generation of humans to undergo such a dramatic technological shift, and the implications of this revolution are enormous.

The technological revolution has given us new tools and technologies that have changed the way we interact with each other and the world around us. The internet has made it possible to connect with people from all over the world, access information instantly, and conduct business on a global scale. Social media has transformed the way we communicate and interact with each other, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, share our experiences and ideas, and build communities around common interests.

But the technological revolution has also brought with it new challenges and risks.

Interested in reading more? Sign up for the Issues in Digital Engagement Course!

Will ai give us more Digital Pollution in Communication?

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It might seem like counter-intuitive but recently I started using ChatGPT to help me with some of the course work I am creating to guide students to the information available to them about the issues we find ourselves facing in the digital age. 

I was recently listening in on a Clubhouse conversation about making money with ai tools. The speaker shared about using it to write your social media copy  and create scripts that address the objections to your sale -and I was immediately struck by the thought of being inundated with ai written copy and trying to argue with sales people who had the perfect answer to everything. Well the Clubhouse members reassured me that I wouldn’t have to download anything to use it and things as they are I just had to see for myself what all the hype was about.

As I was interested in putting some books on my resource list I asked “the Chat” as I’ve come to fondly call it for a synopsis of the readings. Here’s what Chat had to say about a book I found on the street as a give-away along with a stack of hard covers that looked right up my alley. It was a hot, hot day in Toronto in the concrete jungle but I lugged them back to my place anyway. 

Finally, all I had to do was put the book on my shelf, it turns out I don’t have to crack the parchment I can just ask my chatty friend to tell me about it.

Human-Centered Communication by Beute and Pacinelli: A Business Case Against Digital Pollution

In today’s digital age, our communication is becoming increasingly digitalized, and with it comes the danger of what the authors of Human-Centered Communication, Andrew Beute and Russ Pacinelli, call “digital pollution.” In their book, they argue that this type of communication is destroying our ability to connect with one another on a meaningful level. They propose a new approach to communication that prioritizes human-centered values.

In this article, we’ll explore the key ideas and concepts presented in Human-Centered Communication, and how it can help businesses build stronger connections with their customers and stakeholders.

Introduction to Human-Centered Communication

Human-Centered Communication is about prioritizing human values in all forms of communication, especially in digital channels. The authors argue that our current digital communication practices are often impersonal and focused on efficiency, rather than on building authentic relationships. They propose that we shift towards a communication model that is more human-centered, empathetic, and meaningful.

Key Ideas in Human-Centered Communication

One of the main ideas presented in the book is the concept of “digital pollution.” The authors argue that the rise of digital communication has led to an overload of information, which can make it difficult to connect with others on a deeper level. They propose that businesses adopt a more human-centered approach to communication, which involves understanding and responding to the needs and values of their customers and stakeholders.

Another key concept in the book is the importance of empathy. The authors argue that empathy is essential for building authentic connections with others. By understanding and respecting others’ perspectives, we can build trust and establish more meaningful relationships.

The book also emphasizes the importance of transparency and honesty in communication. The authors suggest that businesses should be transparent about their goals, values, and practices, and should communicate honestly with their customers and stakeholders. This builds trust and credibility, which can help businesses stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.

Strategies for Human-Centered Communication

Human-Centered Communication offers several strategies for businesses to adopt a more human-centered approach to communication. These include:

  • Active listening: Businesses should listen to their customers and stakeholders, seeking to understand their needs, values, and perspectives.
  • Empathy: Businesses should strive to understand their customers’ and stakeholders’ experiences and feelings, and respond in a way that respects and values their needs.
  • Transparency: Businesses should be transparent about their goals, values, and practices, and communicate honestly with their customers and stakeholders.
  • Respect: Businesses should show respect for their customers’ and stakeholders’ opinions and experiences, even if they disagree with them.
  • Collaboration: Businesses should work collaboratively with their customers and stakeholders, seeking their input and feedback, and co-creating solutions together.

Conclusion

In the digital age, it’s more important than ever for businesses to adopt a more human-centered approach to communication. Human-Centered Communication by Beute and Pacinelli provides valuable insights and strategies for building stronger, more authentic connections with customers and stakeholders, and reducing digital pollution. By prioritizing empathy, transparency, respect, and collaboration, businesses can build trust and establish more meaningful relationships that stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.

We highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their communication practices and build stronger relationships in a digital world.

 

This one is co-authored by Richard Branson’s daughter and includes an epilogue written by him. 

WEconomy by Branson, Kielburger, and Kielburger: A Comprehensive Review

At a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, the concept of a “WEconomy” has become more relevant than ever. Co-authored by Sir Richard Branson, Craig Kielburger, and Marc Kielburger, the book “WEconomy: You Can Find Meaning, Make a Living, and Change the World” explores how individuals and businesses can create a better world while also achieving success.

In this review, we’ll delve into the key ideas and concepts presented in the book, and explain how they can help individuals and businesses to make a positive impact in the world.

Introduction to WEconomy

The book is based on the idea that a new economic model is needed, one that prioritizes social responsibility and environmental sustainability alongside financial profit. The authors suggest that by adopting a “WEconomy” approach, individuals and businesses can create a world that is more equitable, more sustainable, and more prosperous for everyone.

One of the key ideas presented in the book is the importance of finding a purpose beyond profit. The authors suggest that businesses that are driven by a higher purpose are more successful in the long run, and that employees are more engaged and motivated when they feel that their work has a positive impact on the world.

Creating a WEconomy

The authors also explore the idea of “WE-centric” leadership, in which leaders prioritize collaboration, empathy, and the greater good over individual success. They suggest that by fostering a culture of cooperation and compassion, businesses can create more innovative, more resilient, and more profitable organizations.

Another important aspect of the WEconomy is the idea of social entrepreneurship. The authors argue that businesses can have a positive impact on society while also generating financial returns, and that social entrepreneurs have an important role to play in driving positive change.

Finally, the book provides practical advice on how individuals and businesses can implement the principles of the WEconomy in their own lives and organizations. From creating a sense of purpose and shared values, to developing sustainable business practices and giving back to the community, the book offers a comprehensive roadmap for creating a better world.

Conclusion

Overall, WEconomy by Branson, Kielburger, and Kielburger is a compelling and informative book that presents a vision for a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world. It offers practical guidance for individuals and businesses seeking to make a positive impact on society, while also achieving financial success.

If you’re interested in learning more about the WEconomy and how you can create a better world, we highly recommend reading this book. By adopting the principles and practices outlined in the book, you can join the growing movement of individuals and businesses who are committed to creating a better future for all.