We have become consumers far beyond the traditional definition!

When we think of consuming, we think of the purchase of tangible objects or perhaps the ingestion of food and beverage.

So let’s broaden our perspective on consumption and continue by using ingestion of food as an analogy.

We consume enormous amounts of content in the form of digital media. It used to be magazines and television. We knew that watching too much television was “bad for you “. But now we live in a constant stream of images we receive through social media. And I think that although we are becoming increasingly aware of this, we have already become programmed to be dependent upon it.

There is research that shows spikes in dopamine related to the use of Instagram. Similar to the “quick fix” of shopping. It becomes addictive! We look to these things for gratification. Now, liken these quick social media “hits“ to junk food. It’s a sugar spike, a feel good. But once it passes, we are “down“ again and already looking for the next hit. Perhaps this sounds a bit extreme, and it may be, but ultimately the point is that we have become accustomed to consuming without substance!

It is interesting to note that there is also research coming out showing that we have lost our ability to produce and create on a deeper level because our minds have become so flooded by the superficial content we are constantly fed.

This certainly is not to discount the beautiful images and the amazing ability that technology has given us to share at work.

Rather, this is a reminder to set parameters. Set intentional time away from technology.

Don’t look at your phone or open your laptop until you’ve had a cuppa coffee in the morning.

Turn it all off an hour before you go to bed at night.

Read! A book. Something not on a screen.

When you walk the dog, look around, breathe.

Simply sit with yourself and other living things in real life for just a minute. Because digital connection is not the same as in-person.