Anniversary Post- Tech-Fasting

It has been a little over a year now...


My Tech-Fast has concluded.

It was a good run.

Since I work on a computer, I decided to NOT spend my free time doing computer related things.
The blog suffered.
I did not.

Try fasting.

There has been a raising of awareness on how important it is to get time away from the screen.

Check this out:




Tech Fasting

For those of you who may need treatment:

Net Addiction Recovery

First U.S. rehab for Internet and online video game addicts opens in Washington state

According to reStart's Web site, current research suggests anywhere from 6% to 10% of the online population is dependent upon one or more aspects of cyber technology and the Internet - with multi-user gamers like World of Warcraft among the most addictive platforms.

Compulsive gamers, texters and Web browsers trade instant messaging and conquering fictional galaxies for bottle-feeding baby goats and building chicken coops on the five-acre Heavensfield Retreat Center.

"It is about helping people addicted to technology get through the withdrawal and help their brains get wired back to normal and connected to the world in a positive way," said Cash.

The live-in retreat is not cheap. The 45-day digital detox costs $14,500, plus cash for daily expenses like renting camping gear for wilderness adventures.

ReStart subscribes to a 12-step program, similar to drug and alcohol abuse and schools residents with a series of social skills workshops to reenter the real world.

"The typical gamer is somebody who has fallen way behind in social skills and lacks confidence," Cash explained.

Besides teaching conversation skills and how to read body language, reStart says that videogame addicts also typically need to be reprogrammed to be conscientious about everyday habits such as bathing, cooking and household chores - not to mention dating.

But the program's first patient seems to be doing well. He's discovered a love for animals while caring for a puppy, baby goats and chickens.

"He is thriving and his social skills are improving by leaps and bounds," said Cash. "He is finding himself very successful with the young women he encounters."