David Pierce on attending the US Open without gadgets, which were banned:
I’m the last person who would ever recommend unplugging from technology for days, or weeks, or even hours. But, in small spurts, it can be a great thing. Have an errand to run? Don’t bring your cell phone. Enjoy the fact that even if you wanted to be productive, you can’t. Be bored, be present, and be in the dark – it’s a weird feeling, but it’s a good one.
Is boredom the new black? He seems to say that unplugging is becoming a trend but I am not so sure. People are cuttig back on gorging on media but connectivity it seems is something we want, no expect, to have everywhere.
Do you unplug? I never do except in meetings and when the FAA forces me to.
On another note, I disagree with the implication that disconnected = bored. When I bungy-jumped, I wasn't online. Last time I... well, you know... I wasn't online. Some of my most enjoyable, creative, engaging moments - I was not online. Bored? Hardly.