We recently met with Claudia Erickson, Co-Founder/Director of Partnerships with the Unplug Collaborative. Since 2009, Global (formerly National) Day of Unplugging (GDU) has been celebrated annually, always the first weekend in March.
B&T: Just last year this week, the US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. In calling out an “Epidemic of loneliness and isolation “ Murthy has said “…we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.” Claudia, can you tell us how your organization, the Unplug Collaborative, combats this public health crisis?
Claudia: The short answer is that we are an awareness campaign and resource center that supports gathering IRL and offers people unplugging activity ideas that are fun and meaningful! The purpose of the Unplug Collaborative is to support educators, leaders, and event hosts who want to see their communities elevate human connection over digital engagement. We help people celebrate the Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) --whether it is 1 hour or 24 -- and encourage them to step away from their screens and intentionally shift into an offline activity, a real-life gathering or simply a meaningful conversation about their relationship with technology. Since 2009, 140,000+ people in over 12 countries have participated in GDU.
The other 364 days a year the UC helps people who want to do more through our other Initiatives. For the Gen Z adults, our Unplug Collab program provided a Seed Fund that supports events targeted specifically for ages 18-28. With our Unplug for a Cause® program, we are able to support people to create volunteer opportunities and gamify time spent offline with Unplug-A-Thons.
B&T: Public Libraries are one of the few free places in our communities where people can gather and connect. Much like the Unplug Collaborative’s concept of Unplugged Villages, Public Libraries encourage creativity and IRL connectivity through maker spaces, reading clubs and so much more. They are also utilizing tech in positive ways for patrons, by providing digital materials and offering free internet access. What are some of your ideas about achieving that sweet spot of a healthy balance, of getting past our current over consumption of tech and back into an equilibrium that you think public libraries would find useful?
Claudia: We love technology and feel it's a really useful tool when it's used in a balanced way. We focus less on talking about unplugging and more on creating replacement activities to fill the void. Activities that engage your hands and minds are great and the libraries already do some of that and are the perfect location. They start off with being a quiet space...something that is often hard to find these days! Some examples of digital wellness activities that could be vintage game demo's like yoyo's, starting an old school pen pal system or giving an writing prompt (i.e. "What would an ideal day of unplugging look like for you?"). The responses can then be made into a beautiful window or flower display. Check out our website for 200+ ideas for fun ways to unplug.
B&T: Back to the current overconsumption of tech, and since your background is in the field of public health… Can you talk about some of the health issues we have seen arise as our tech consumption has increased over the past two decades? Can you share self care strategies for our public librarians reading this newsletter on unplugging and reconnecting in fun and healthy ways in their communities?
Claudia: There has been a big influx of research in recent years and we are seeing the true cost of the 7+hours of screen time people often spend throughout the day. We are collectively getting less exercise, less sleep and less time outdoors. Conversely we are seeing rising rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness and the inability to focus for sustained periods of time. People are suffering from "Tech Neck" as the typical posture people have when staring down at their phones can be like having 50-60 lbs of weight pulling on the spine. Even our eyesight is being affected with a huge increase in Myopia (nearsightedness) with projected estimates that 50% of the global population will be affected by the year 2050.
In terms of self care, I always suggest you start with yourself. Take a few moments to evaluate where you are spending your time online and see where you might cut back, then focus on replacement activities and things that minimize distractions. Wear an analog watch (it gives you the time and nothing else), get a simple alarm clock so you can charge your phone OUTSIDE of the bedroom. Turn off unnecessary notifications and activate screen time controls that now come with most smartphones. Try to incorporate some time with nature and people every day if you can. To engage with your community you might go to your local farmers market every week. You can plan a good old fashion block/street party in your neighborhood. A lot of us have gotten so used to being isolated in recent years and we get great benefit from connecting with our neighbors again.
A few final suggestions. Even if you are the only one in your family that wants to unplug...do it...do it anyway. You will likely feel better, recharged and may rub off on others. Ironically, I have found over the years that the less I talk about unplugging to people and the more I just do it, the better it is received. Happiness is contagious and we can all be the spark in our family and community to show how unplugging can be awesome!
Want to learn more? Check out the Unplug Collaborative website HERE.