Week 13: Effects of Technology - NGUYEN KIM CHI (응웬김찌)
1. Summary of the Technology Assignment
This week’s Technology Assignment challenged us to reflect on how digital tools impact our lives not just in obvious, convenient ways, but in subtle, often unexamined aspects of everyday experience. We were asked to either experiment with a “digital detox” (limiting or eliminating use of technology for a defined time) or to consciously alter our tech habits such as disabling notifications, reorganizing apps, or monitoring screen time and then document the impact.
For my assignment, I chose to go without social media for five days. That meant no Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), or even YouTube for non-academic purposes. I still used my phone and laptop for schoolwork, but I deleted all entertainment-related apps from my phone and blocked the websites on my browser using a productivity extension.
During the detox period, I also kept a daily journal to record how I felt emotionally, mentally, and physically—without constant online stimulation. I documented moments when I instinctively reached for my phone, how I filled those gaps instead, and how my sense of time and attention changed.
Additionally, I revisited some of the course readings on technology’s cognitive effects, such as Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows, which argues that internet use is reshaping how we think and learn, and Sherry Turkle’s Alone Together, which examines how digital communication affects relationships and identity. These readings offered a deeper theoretical context to what I was experiencing firsthand.
2. Interesting and Unusual Discoveries
One of the most surprising discoveries during this assignment was just how deeply ingrained my social media habits are. On the first day, I found myself unlocking my phone and automatically swiping to apps that no longer existed. This mechanical reflex - like muscle memory, was slightly disturbing. It made me realize that my use of technology wasn’t always conscious or intentional. I was using these platforms more out of habit than need.
Another unexpected insight was how much mental clarity I gained without the constant stream of notifications. I had assumed that I was pretty good at multitasking - checking messages while watching videos, scrolling through Instagram during lectures but during the detox, I felt noticeably more present. Reading for class became easier. I could focus for longer periods without feeling the urge to reward myself with a “quick” scroll, which often turned into 20 minutes lost.
Emotionally, the absence of social comparison (seeing others’ posts about vacations, productivity, or aesthetics) made a bigger difference than I thought. I noticed a general lift in my mood and self-esteem. I wasn’t constantly evaluating my own life in comparison to the highlight reels of others. It reminded me of Turkle’s idea that technology gives us the illusion of connection while often making us feel lonelier or “less than.”
What was most interesting, though, was what I did with the extra time. I found myself texting close friends more intentionally, calling my family more often, and even picking up an old hobby-sketching-which I hadn’t done in months. There was a certain richness to those analog moments that felt more rewarding than hours of passive scrolling.
3. Questions and Areas for Further Discussion
This assignment left me with several questions that I think are worth deeper exploration in class. First, I wonder: Is it possible to build a healthy relationship with technology in a world that’s designed to make us addicted to it? Most platforms are engineered with algorithms and behavioral cues meant to keep us engaged for as long as possible. Even knowing this, many of us still fall into the trap. How do we push back, not just individually but culturally against that?
Another concern I had was the privilege embedded in digital detoxing. As students, we have the luxury of “opting out” of technology for a few days as a learning exercise. But for many people, especially those whose jobs, families, or communities rely on constant connectivity, taking a break from tech isn't just inconvenient—it’s impossible. This makes me question whether tech minimalism is a realistic solution or merely a coping mechanism for a deeper structural issue.
Finally, while my own detox experience was positive overall, I did feel a sense of social disconnection at times. I missed group chats, funny memes, and spontaneous digital moments that make me feel included in my friend group. That raises an interesting tension: How do we balance the mental clarity that comes from unplugging with the genuine social value of digital connection? Are there ways to preserve what’s meaningful about social media while minimizing what’s toxic?
This leads me to think that our relationship with technology needs to be more nuanced. It's not just a question of “good” or “bad,” but about intentional use. Maybe the goal isn’t complete disconnection, but rather, reclaiming our attention and using tech on our own terms not the terms set by Silicon Valley designers.
Final Thoughts
This assignment made me realize that technology, for all its benefits, often crowds out space for reflection, creativity, and real connection. But it also gave me hope that even small changes—like deleting one app, turning off one notification, or carving out 30 minutes of “no screen” time can make a tangible difference. I’m not ready to give up digital life entirely, but I am definitely more conscious now of how I want it to fit into the kind of life I want to live.
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