OFF. your digital detox for a better life

This book by Tanya Goodin is basically what it says on the tin - a kickstart book for those who want to, or feel or think they want to, or want to want to, embark upon some extent of digital detox. To be honest I just read it because it's short and I didn't have much to do this afternoon, and my flatmate Adam (whose it is) said it had some quite nice little tips in it - also last week I watched all the new series of Black Mirror, and (though I've been slowly digitally detoxifying myself in all regards but YouTube and Netflix for the past year or so, the insidious tendrils of social media still cling to me far too closely day by day) am inspired anew to maintain my course of steadily weaning myself off extraneous usage of the internet, especially in its mobile forms.

   It's practically perfect for its purported function. Goodin splits the book up into six sections, each peppered with soothing and attractive images of whatever non-screeny activities a given page is exhorting its pixel-addled reader to undertake, and while not at all text-heavy, the prose therein is focused but accessible, giving clear explanations of the simple human flaws or needs that give rise to a particular aspect of digital addiction and simple human strengths or needs that provide straightforward avenues for behaviours and attitudes to escape.

1. Setting boundaries - this section has really good common-sense hints, like putting aside certain times for not using screen-based technology, committing to not using it before bed, at mealtimes, whatever.
2. Go with the flow - basically just a list of mindful activities to try out instead of going by default onto a screen whenever boredom itches; e.g. cooking, reading, colouring, jigsaws, exercise, etc.
3. Get back to nature - extending the mindfulness out of your house! Go for a walk and look at clouds! Sit on some grass or near some water! Plant something!
4. Tame your triggers - common-sense tips on structuring your lifestyle or adjusting your technologies to reduce the temptations they exude.
5. Choose analogue - using difficult and esoteric methods known these days only to hipsters and people older than 37, can you work out how to perform basic tasks without using smartphones or the internet? Give it a go!
6. Reconnect - social media is a lie! The real social network is the innavigable shambles of delightful abundant beautiful mess comprising human civilisation, and guess what, you and everyone you know have free lifelong accounts, and the range of options for creative and positive interactions between users is almost limitless!

   Frankly, I don't feel like I've learned very much from this book, but that's because I'm a reader with a well-developed suspicion of the digital world anyway, and so much of the content herein struck me as being wonderfully basic. But it still needs saying. My generation is one lost looking down its own nose, crippled by its own self-induced anxiety and loneliness, and I dearly hope this book may spark people who need it into choosing to be present and awake in their own lives. Would make an excellent gift-book to your friend who's always on their phone and always seems sadder than they think they are.