Posted on 09/19/17
Dear Friends:
Welcome to the first communication from the Intechigence Project. Your active participation will determine the future success of this project.
I don't know anyone who is "happy" with how they are using technology. We recognize the benefits of technology - which is something that we want to take advantage of - but we are more and more aware of the costs, as we feel it eroding our self-control and peace of mind.
Our goal is to use technology wisely, to have it as an effective tool in our hands instead of feeling that we are caught in its grip.
We all want to do this, but the struggle we face is to be mindful and consistent in dealing with it. We make up our minds to make a change, but then we slip back into old patterns.
With INTECHIGENCE, we will try to bring two tools to bear in this struggle.
The first is consistent reminders, with the goal of keeping the issue squarely in front of us. Towards this end we hope to share regular emails with stimulating articles and other information regarding healthy use of technology, for the purpose of prompting us to think and to discuss the issue with those around us.
The second is sharing specific best practices, and - this is critical - creating a framework of accountability where we share how we are doing regarding these practices. This may end up taking the form of small groups that form to interact with each other and strengthen each other, and/or centralized communication through us. For now, please share your feedback with us at intechigence@bjsz.org.
In this first email, I want to bring to your attention the attached flyer about the film "Screenagers", that we will be showing at BJSZ this Sunday, Tzom Gedalya, September 24, at noon and at 4:00 pm. This is a very compelling presentation on the effects of Smartphones and gaming on youth and adults. The documentary is made for a general audience and contains some jarring images and messages, but its lessons and impact are profound. It cannot be seen on line. I encourage you to attend.
And here is today's Best Practice:
Have defined times for looking at email and other communications. Instead of leaving Outlook open, or regularly checking your Smartphone for messages, have these open only at specific, pre-determined times. Hide the email Icon and reminders on your phone. As I mentioned in the talk that launched this idea, I have been trying to do this and it has made a big difference for me. I have a 15-20 minute email session in the morning, but then close it. I check in for 5 minutes late morning, and then do another 10-15 minutes midday. I then check in once or twice for five minutes in the afternoon and early evening, and then have a 15-20 minutes session to clear things at the end of the day.
These times need to be a bit flexible, and I have had to schedule an hour once or twice a week to catch up and clean up, but the structure has made a big difference. Have you tried it? How is it going for you?
I look forward to receiving your feedback and to seeing this program make a difference.
I wish you all the best, and a Kesiva vaChasima Tova.
Moshe Hauer
Sign up by emailing intechigence@bjsz.org