During the time Digital Mindfulness has been live, one thing has concerned speakers more than any other topic we have spoken about; that in an age of constant digital connection, the available time for our own for our own thoughts and our own company is eroding by the day. The human need for solitude, very different to loneliness, is essential and helps people to creatively process complex thoughts, increase intimacy and bring peace of mind.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the author and journalist Michael Harris. In this thought-provoking discussion, we talk about, amongst other things, the inspiration for his book, The End of Absence and how encouraging a wider critical public discussion on how we spend our time with the digital tools and services we use every day will enable us to create healthier relationships to digital technology and society.
What you will learn:
- The importance of taking regular time off on your own away from technology
- How the ‘on demand’ culture is eroding perspectives of anticipation
- What important media thinkers of the past had to say about today’s digital societies
- How you can create more ‘absence’ in your life
Resources mentioned in the show
How To Thrive In The Digital Age by Tom Chatfield
How To Be Alone by Sarah Maitland
