Being a connoisseur of the human soul in its various emotional states, Christophe Andre promotes calmness and equanimity. But lately, it has become increasingly difficult for him to remain calm.
Psychologies: In your opinion, do new technologies expand the possibilities of communication or, on the contrary, lead to alienation?
I think we can talk about the coexistence of these two tendencies. The problem is that the advantages of new technologies are emphasized while their disadvantages are downplayed. But it has been proven, for example, that the more a child watches TV, the simpler his drawings and the poorer his vocabulary, and the higher the risk of obesity and learning difficulties. There is evidence that American children spend more time in front of screens (TV, computer, smartphone, tablet) than at school. And what do they get from these sources? Information about sex, pictures of cruelty, incentives to consume. In a word, dubious values.
However, technology can be a tool for gaining knowledge, sharing experiences, gaining freedom…
K.A.: Yes, but only if they are used correctly. And we still have big problems with this. After all, today all these technologies take possession of our minds. We are with gadgets either in terms of desire («I want one!») or in terms of submission («I can’t do without it»). Screens have made us dependent: we check email every minute, we don’t leave the house without a phone, we can’t find our way without a navigator. Here is a simple test that will show your priorities: your mobile phone rang, and at that moment you are talking with someone. Who is more important to you: the one who is nearby, or the one who is «in the gadget»?
- Christophe Andre: «I have learned to accept reality»
How to explain this dependence?
K.A.: An abundance that we have not yet learned to manage. The classic experiment with the so-called «cafe rats» illustrates this point. A group of rats has access to a feeder where the same feed is added. In this case, the animals periodically eat, but stop when they are full. This behavior can be considered normal. Another group of rats also has constant access to the feeder, but in it — only fatty, very salty or very sweet food, and a variety of colors and flavors. These rats quickly become overweight as they eat and can’t stop.
Are you saying that too much choice leads to addiction?
K.A.: Undoubtedly! Abundance is presented by modern society as the main factor of our freedom. This is partly true. But it also introduces many problems into our lives that we are only beginning to realize. New technologies are the same food, only for the mind, and we get it in great abundance. We behave at the same time as those same laboratory rats. It is very difficult for us to resist all temptations. So we consume literally everything that is offered to us, out of fear of missing out on something important. We suffer from a special form of obesity caused by overconsumption of information and an overabundance of virtual communication. Our ability to objectively perceive and feel our own needs is impaired. All these screens look so seductive in our eyes that we give them a part of our leisure time and, ultimately, a significant part of our lives.
- Sherry Turkle: «I’m not anti-tech, I’m pro-talk»
Do you think that new technologies only harm us?
K.A.: No, they are definitely very useful! The Internet, mobile phones are pushing the boundaries of our capabilities. Thanks to them, we can talk with relatives on the other side of the world, visit libraries and museums around the world without leaving home. But the risk is too great to limit your contacts to these screens. Gadgets are only useful if we are able to exclude them from certain areas of life, and only to the extent that we are able to control them. There are many schools in California’s Silicon Valley, where classrooms are equipped with simple chalkboards, notebooks with pencils — and no screens! Despite the high cost of education, employees of Facebook (an extremist organization banned in Russia), Yahoo!, Apple are ready to fight for a place in such a school for their child. After all, they know very well that it is quite possible to do without new technologies in schools.
Have we already missed the moment when it was possible to reverse the process?
K.A.: This is not necessary. New technologies are the result of progress. But now we know about the existence of the reverse side of the coin. The line is not drawn between those who use gadgets and those who do not. It passes between those who use them wisely and everyone else. Thankfully, we’re seeing some signs of battling addiction, with people increasingly going to places without Wi-Fi and turning off their phones while on vacation. I do not urge to go to extremes, but it is simply necessary to establish some rules for the reasonable use of new technologies.
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“Gadgets and new technologies are only useful if we are able to exclude them from certain areas of life, and to the extent that we are able to control them”
How would you formulate these rules yourself?
K.A.: Treat gadgets like your favorite sweets. In moderation is good, but in excess is bad. I realized the extent of the «poisoning» we suffer from in meditation sessions with patients. Many of them noted that the state of pure consciousness allowed them to overcome cravings for screens and feel much better. I am amazed at the number of people whose mornings certainly start with turning on the computer, and not with meditation or jogging. It is now customary to spend minutes of waiting with a smartphone in hand, and not indulging in your thoughts or contemplating the sky. You have to literally win time for yourself.
What can each of us do to change things?
K.A.: Reduce screen time and just live! To regain the joy of peace, slowness, expectation. When standing at a bus stop, put your phone away. Try not to check your email more than three times a day, and don’t answer calls if you’re talking to someone. Turn off your phone while walking and eating. Pick up phones from small children after 21:XNUMX. Forget about gadgets on the weekends. In short, do a «detox». And enjoy the time spent alone with yourself and loved ones.
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Are you getting it?
K.A.: Unfortunately, not always. I try very hard not to fall for this trap, but I regularly fall for it. Then I force myself to realize what is happening and quickly jump off the hook. I repeat to myself the rules that I offer to my students and patients: in your free time it is better to focus on breathing. I also pay close attention to the key phases of the day — I never start or end it in front of the screen. In these moments, it is important to be alone with yourself, to feel your body, mind and emotions.
What are we risking?
K.A.: Turn into inhabitants of cyberspace, from which we can no longer get out. After all, the simplest things bring us happiness: sincere communication, walks in nature, moments of peace, silence, reflection … Imagine that you are admiring the sunset on the ocean and at that moment the phone rings — what could be more inappropriate? But even more inappropriate in this situation to answer the call! As soon as we can resist this temptation, take a deep breath and think: “I will answer later, now I am enjoying the view, watching my breath, I am immersed in peace and quiet. And only this moment matters, ”and then we will comprehend the essence of being.