In today's episode of Moving Offline, I do a short reflection on the beauty of deceleration. As the world continues to speed up around us, there's a counter-movement gaining momentum: the shift towards slower technologies. Can choosing simplicity over sophistication truly elevate our daily experience?
Transcript
Remember that sound? The familiar tone of dial-up internet. It symbolized patience in a world that hadn't yet been introduced to the blistering speeds of today's connectivity. Amidst its perceived sluggishness, lay a hidden gift, the gift of time. Time to ponder, time to wait, time to simply exist without the instant gratification we've grown so accustomed to. And then it came this other sound, unmistakable, classical, one of the best sounds in the whole world. Maybe you have one of these, what we call today, dumbphones. Now these devices are far from dumb. In their simplicity, calls, texts, and if you're lucky, the classic game of snake, they offer something many of us are craving, a return to the basics. A break from the incessant pings, dings, and rings of modern smartphones. When you use a dumbphone or any technology from yesterday, there's a tangible connection you experience. It's akin to the sensation of flipping through the pages of a physical book as opposed to swiping on an e-reader.
Both serve a purpose, but one offers an experience that is undeniably raw and real. And it's not just about reverting to older tech. It's about rediscovering the world around us in its purest form. Think about it. When was the last time you wandered around a new city without the comforting voice of Google Maps or ask a stranger for directions? Or simply sat in a cafe sipping coffee without the urge to check your emails or scroll through social media. In those unplugged moments, there's a genuine sense of discovery of connection, of living in the here and now.
This little reflection is to invite you, actually, to find balance. to go outside and listen to the human voices that are around you. To the park, to hear the dogs or the kids' laughter. It's to go through life without any of the digital filters.
So next time you find yourself rushing, tether to the whirlwind of notifications and updates. Remember, it's okay to pause. It's okay to slow down, It's okay to embrace a bit of the old amidst the new because sometimes the longer slower route offers views and experiences but the fast lane simply can't. Thank you for listening to moving offline. I hope today's podcast helps you to rediscover a little bit more of analog. Expect more and a couple of extra niceties in the future. Have a great day.
Links and Resources:
Share your story via audio: https://www.speakpipe.com/dumbphones
Ask your questions: https://formaloo.net/un49c
Podcast Scheduling: https://koalendar.com/e/meet-with-jose-briones
My book: Low Tech Life eBook
Find your device: Dumbphone Finder
Rewinding Time: The Beauty of Embracing Slower Tech