Did you know in Australia, approximately 18 million Australians have active social media accounts - that’s 72% of the population. [1]

Additionally, 79% of internet users in Australia report using Facebook and YouTube; 46% use Instagram; 27% use Snapchat; 26% use Twitter, and; 24% use LinkedIn. [2]

Research also reports that Australians spend a staggering 1 hour and 39 minutes using social media each day. [3]

Let’s face it; social media and smartphones has become an intrinsic part to our personal and professional lives. Billions of people rely on it daily, whether it’s texting a friend, navigating a new city, paying for a meal or scrolling the #insta feed. We love that our phones can bring us together, connect us and help us stay in touch with those around the world. We especially love all the ways social media can help establish businesses by creating brand awareness, reaching new audiences and prompting direct sales.

But in a world full of trends, constant chatter and idyllic lifestyles - how do we know what is good for us or when it’s time to set the phone down and ‘unplug’?

This Friday [March 6, 2020] PDPR will be taking part in National Unplugging Day - a “24-hour respite form technology aimed at getting us to disconnect from our devices so we can connect with ourselves, our loved ones and our communities”. [4]

Let’s chat about why you too should take part in this 24-hour challenge too.

IMAGE SERIES OF WOMEN PRACTISING SELF CARE BY: @SHOPSUNDAE

Unplugging from all social media, refreshing our emails or downloading a movie in today’s technology-driven world, can be extraordinary for your physical and mental wellbeing. A study in the US found that when students unplugged from technology there was an overall improvement in the quality of life. [5] “One of the greatest benefits of unplugging from your phone is that it helps you relax and mentally get away from your job”. [6] If we unplug from our device, it gives us the time and space to physically disconnect from work, recharge our batteries, decompress and make us feel better overall.

Unplugging is also great for enhancing relationships. Gone are the days writing down coffee dates in your diary and hoping for the best. Smart devices allow us to easily link with people. But now, when we spend time in the presence of humans, our smartphones can actually be pushing us apart. “New research shows that when people check their phones while sharing a meal with others, they don’t enjoy themselves as much”. [7] Research also shows that by simply having your phone on the table in line of your vision, it will compromise your experience of the quality of the relationships you have with others. [8]

In all truth, it can be tough cutting the “virtual cord” and disconnecting from your phone. That’s why we put the challenge to you to take part in a digital-detox for 24 hours. From sundown March 6 to sundown March 7, turn off the iPhone, enjoy the fresh air, the sun, the human-to-human connection and unplug!

REFERENCES:

[1] https://wearesocial.com/au/digital-2019-australia

[2] https://wearesocial.com/au/digital-2019-australia

[3] https://wearesocial.com/au/digital-2019-australia

[4] http://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-actually-unplugging-on-national-day-of-unplugging-92983

[5] https://www.bustle.com/articles/188786-5-scientifically-proven-benefits-to-unplugging-from-technology

[6] http://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-actually-unplugging-on-national-day-of-unplugging-92983

[7] http://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-actually-unplugging-on-national-day-of-unplugging-92983

[8] http://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-actually-unplugging-on-national-day-of-unplugging-92983