What happened when I decided to take the Digital Detox Challenge? Part 1:

I started spending more time outside. A counselor at school ran some programming once where I learned that being outside improves your mood. Honestly, I don’t miss scrolling endlessly on social media. I don’t miss the questionable content that would creep into my feed and make me question how it chose me. Users will never know because technology companies don’t provide any transparency. And, we will never know the sources or intentions of the content we watch on social media.  

The more time I started spending outside, the better I felt. It started when I made plans with friends to walk. We would meet on Mondays and Wednesdays in the same spot at the entrance gate to our school. It was less about walking and more about connecting. Our walks got longer and longer and three people eventually turned into six. At school, I also started sitting outside in free periods and friends who saw me joined me. Two weeks later, I found a group waiting for me in my spot. 

Lately, I’ve noticed the changes around me as we move into fall. I don’t think I ever noticed these changes before. Social media kept me busy with notifications, noise, and  I was always checking my phone. I’m taking Environmental Science this year and the teacher came over one day when he saw me sitting outside. He said that this would be a good spot for a hammock, and I agreed. 

We’ve been talking about the new moss on the trees by the pond. I now know that moss has been a natural compass for people for years. This is not true in all areas, but in the northeast it typically grows on the northside of a tree. Did you know that moss is filled with micro-organisms? I began researching them and read about tardigrades. They live in moss and are one of the most resilient life forms on Earth. Look up tardigrades, called water bears or moss piglets, and you will see what I mean. They are so tough that they can withstand extreme pressure and temperatures. I made sure to tell my friends on our next walk.  

My plan is to keep digitally detoxing and reporting back on my journey. 

- John Maida, guest blogger and NoSo YLI. Student at The Loomis Chaffee School