Infobesity: Developing Healthy Digital Habits in the Home
In Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, Jesus is known as a carpenter. And yet, He is SO much more than that. The word carpenter comes from the Greek word tekton, which is the English root word for technology.
As you and I live in an ever-increasing technological world, we need to be asking how the divine techie manages our digital practices.
Have you ever asked yourself, “How are my online habits shaping me?”, or “How much time do I consume online per day?” or “Does Jesus have anything to say to me about my online habits?”
This is key because, if unchecked, the technological world will shape you and me MORE than the divine.
This is why I’ve developed a Technology Way of Life. It is a simple format of how to allow the divine to shape our digital habits. There are six practices to start with:
Practice a Digital Sabbath – it is important to disconnect from the digital to connect with the divine. We are designed to connect in relationships, but, if we are continually distracted and/or busy online, we have a difficult time to connect. Take a day (if a day is too long, then start with a few hours) off from your digital devices.
Practice Digital-FREE Fun – develop a fun list with you and your family to encourage activity outside of digital technology.
Practice Moderate Digital Consumption – studies reveal higher levels of digital consumption is between 4-5 hours / per day (excluding work and education) and based on these studies, digital consumption should be NO MORE than 2 hours / day (especially on social media).
Practice Regulating Digital Devices – as parents, practice digital usage in public spaces, plug-in devices in central areas, and have a curfew with devices.
Practice Eating Dinner Digital FREE – studies in family health reveal regular dinner times increase healthy conversations, physical health, mental health, and relational skills. Due to this, families should keep dinner-times digital free (including car rides).
Practice Redemptive Online Habits – ask yourself, “Have I revealed Jesus online?”, “Do my digital practices honor Jesus and others?” As an examples, combat misinformation and disinformation with Truth; Share stories of God working in YOU; Develop a Technology Way of Life where tech is practiced as a tool not as an idol (Exodus 32).
In fact, I have included a Technology Way of Life template if you want to use it with your family (or yourself).
I hope it will empower you to develop healthy digital habits in your home.
What healthy digital habits do you practice in your home? Share your ideas below.
