It seems that taking a pause is a big thing these days. For example, keeping the news channels turned off for the day can be thought of as a pause. For sanity’s sake. It is rampant in the current misadministration to the south’s handling of anything they mean to get rid of. Canada pausing the purchase of F-35’s. Pausing as a political tool. Moving along.
It can be difficult to pause. Likely because the desire to pause something suggests that whatever that thing is has a significant drag on, for example, your time, health, relationships, or mental wellbeing. But also, a strong pull and intention to (likely) further engage in whatever is being paused.
Our relationship with digital media – in particular social media – and the activities it promotes likely has elevated the idea of pausing as a thing. An implicit declaration that somewhere we understand that the immediate accessibility (we always have our smartphones with us) and constant flow of the stuff on our phones and tablets might not be fully beneficial.
In my corner, there is no social media to pause. So, pausing has to do with managing unwanted negativity and stress arising from bad news. Of which there is plenty these days. Pausing to take time to do the things that one can exercise influence on and turning down the stuff that negatively impacts state of mind. Walking away from one’s phone for a few hours. A whole day feels a bit risky.
There is no real option to turn back the clock. As one of the last avid proponents of flip phones (and the genius incorporated into that form factor), full adoption of the functionality available in the world of apps has followed. From tap payment, mobile banking, to wayfinding and ready video camera access. To having the answers to pretty much any question that has an answer (and ample speculation for those that don’t). To posting cropped Wordle screenshots on a family message stream. It’s all good. These are things that make our life richer, quicker, easier.
The lovely image of yellow and white tulips appears on our living room screen above the fireplace through the gift of smartphone apps. Not something that could be done even ten years ago.
Pausing social media sounds like it is a tough thing to do. We are, generally, social animals. Amplifying social our network, sharing news, getting positive feedback, and, perhaps, becoming part of Taylor Swift’s world (as a follower, if not a true friend) is riveting and compelling. As with most powerful things, it is a double-edged sword. Reaping the benefits while limiting the intrusion into our real lives would seem to be a challenge. Hence, the elevation of pausing as a thing.
