Column: The digital detox by Eva Nakato

By Eva Nakato

In this age and era, the internet has become part and parcel of our day to day lives. From how we do our office work to how we connect with our family and friends, one surely can’t miss out on the various platforms within it. Social media, also known as the ‘darling’ of the net, has reinvented how we interact with our family and friends, some of whom we met virtually. Social media has also drawn celebrities closer to their fans more than ever before. Conversely, social media has also birthed to numerous celebrities who would never have been known had it not existed. It is also through social media that most people now get insights on current affairs. It is also the greatest source of ‘fake’ news. Overtime, while people seem to be so connected on the internet, the reality on the ground is that most of these people are very lonely in the physical world. They seem to be more attached to the gadgets and devices that link them to the internet than real people. This is the point of addiction. Social media can get destructive if not used wisely. And, where there is addiction, destruction is bound to happen. What then do you need to do in such a scenario? When confronted with an alcohol addition, for example, your therapist will advise you to stay way from alcohol. You could in addition be advised to drink lots of water so that your body can easily flush the toxins out of your body. The above approach can as well be used in a scenario where one is spending lots of unproductive time on the internet. For now, let’s use the phrase ‘digital detox’. Digital detox refers to a period of time when a person refrains

from using tech devices such as smart phones, computers, tablets, and social media sites. By practising this, one could focus on real-life social interactions without distractions. Research has further suggested that people who have decided to limit their use of social media tend to be happier than the others. Several people have found relief in practicing the digital detox and quitting social media. There are plenty of other reasons to give yourself the much-deserved break from Social media in addition to the ones we highlighted above. You might be underperforming at your day job simply because you spend more time running in between your numerous social media accounts/handles. Do not wait for a warning letter from your boss. Take a break from social media. We see you posting photos of yourself while at work, home or even during a vacation. This is perfectly. However, sharing too much information about your private life gravely endangers your privacy and security. Do the needful! The bullies and the trolls are always waiting to make those mean comments towards you. These are the equivalent of vampires always waiting to suck your blood at the slightest opportunity. How long will you keep fighting them? Now that your private life is all over and the cyber world is aware of how ‘rich’ you are, some of the ‘sharp’ guys can’t wait to have a share of your hard-earned money. They will present to you some really ‘juicy’ deal that you won’t have to think twice before making a financial transfer to their account. Anyway, you will have to thank God if you ever get to recover your money. Worse still, many young people have been victims of sexual assault due their presence on social media. In an unfortunate incident, a young woman was lured through her Facebook account, taken advantage of and infected with HIV! I could go on and list several other dangers of over relying on the internet. In whatever stage of our adult life, we need to take charge of our surrounding and not vice versa. We should strive to use the internet cautiously and not let it ruin our lives. One way you could smartly use the internet is by frequently practising digital detox to enable you assess and re-evaluate the relevance of internet to your life. So, have you ever attempted to take a break from the internet/ social media? How would you describe the experience? Or, would you consider taking a leave from the internet/social media for a while? Why? My mail box is open!

Eva Nakato is a Ugandan based writer and she wants to read from you so write her through info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com

BOOK REVIEW

Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out…… Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh

About the book

Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values. Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with Victory Outreach International. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted. Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage; partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. *****

About the Author

ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute. He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at Victory Outreach Almere, The Netherlands. The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage. He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities. He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage. You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_

• forgive your partner when they make mistakes. Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned. This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that image_1?smid=AHRB2OK2Q2YCL&psc=1 You can contact him directly through any of his social media handle for your questions or comments, he would look into it and respond would be sent to you accordingly.

Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com