Smartphone devices are extremely prominent in our culture today. Everywhere you turn people are texting, taking photos, uploading to social media and so much more! Over time these devices have become part of our life, but can also become a distraction.
With this in mind, we decided to highlight a few TED Talks that can help with dealing with digital distraction. These TED Talks showcases presenters speaking about their digital addictions, overcoming social media distractions, and going through a digital detox to name a few. Enjoy!
How to Get Your Brain to Focus | Chris Bailey | TEDxManchester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu4Yvq-g7_Y&feature=youtu.be
The latest research is clear: the state of our attention determines the state of our lives. So how do we harness our attention to focus deeper, get distracted less, and even become more creative? Chris Bailey, the author of Hyperfocus, talks about how our ability to focus is the key to productivity, creativity, and living a meaningful life.
Can flip phones end our social media addiction? | Collin Kartchner | TEDxSaltLakeCity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMb0wqTqE_4
Collin Kartchner is on a mission to save the kids. That starts with exposing the dirty underbelly of social media and how it increases anxiety for children and parents alike. Collin is a local internet crusader, youth advocate, and social activist spreading education and awareness on the negative effects of social media and screen addiction on our mental and emotional health.
What you need to know about internet addiction | Dr. Kimberly Young | TEDxBuffalo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOSYmLER664
We are all a bit too connected to our smartphones and web-connected devices. Dr. Young helps identify warning signs of Internet addiction and what we can do to manage technology in our daily lives. She also asks “How young is too young?” for screen time, warning parents about the dangers of technology use in children as young as two.
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell | TEDxRyersonU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czg_9C7gw0o
According to social media expert Bailey Parnell, our growing and unchecked obsession with social media have unintended long term consequences on our mental health. As social media continues to become part of the fabric of modern life – the “digital layer” – abstinence is becoming less of an option. Bailey thinks it’s high time we learned to practice safe social before it’s too late.
A year offline, what I have learned | Paul Miller | TEDxEutropolis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trVzyG4zFMU
Paul Miller is an American Technology Journalist from Springfield, Missouri and senior editor for The Verge. During the past year, he decided to disconnect from the hyperconnected world in an attempt to ‘find himself’ and become more productive. He abandoned the internet and disconnected from all Social Media, returning to a life before the net, apps, and smartphones.
How social media makes us unsocial | Allison Graham | TEDxSMU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5GecYjy9-Q
Social Media historian Allison Graham offers a witty and ironic view of a society that feels alone together despite the hundreds of virtual connections we have online. With a global population growing up via Facebook and Twitter and a perceptible shift in human interpersonal connections, the constant need for social self-validation permeates our daily existence. This talk shares the funny and revealing insights of a life lived online and how social media is used to connect and disconnect us.
Need a Digital Detox? | Tania Mulry | TEDxLaSierraUniversity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx7fVEHZtj0
Are you so dependent on technology that your phone has become a phantom limb? It’s time for a Digital Detox. Digital marketing guru Tania Mulry is here with some simple and effective ways to master technology before it masters us.
Why I Don’t Use A Smart Phone | Ann Makosinski | TEDxTeen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjaM0tdxtYA
Ann Makosinski is an 18-year-old student, innovator, and entrepreneur. Ann invented a flashlight that ran off the heat of the human hand – the Hollow Flashlight. The invention won her age category at the 2013 Google Science Fair, as well as numerous awards at the Intel Science and Engineering Fair. She appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and was named one of TIMES 30 Under 30. Ann discusses how you have MORE opportunity and TIME to create when you have LESS and how to think of all the possibilities OFF your phone, instead of ON your phone.
What you are missing while being a digital zombie | Patrik Wincent | TEDxStockholm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAIxb42FjwE
In a hyperconnected world, where mobile devices have become appendices to our body and people check their social media accounts hundreds of times a day, human interaction is sacrificed daily in favor of digital exchanges. In his talk from the TEDxStockholm event “Generation WHY?”, psychotherapist Patrik Wincent takes us on a journey through his own Internet addiction, and gives us valuable tips to avoid becoming digital zombies.
Dealing with digital distractions can come in multiple forms. All of these presenters showcased a unique story that was interesting and captivating through their own experiences. Hopefully, you can relate to one of them and use some of the information in your life.
