The Super Connected Toolkit
The Super Connected Toolkit
Chapter list and everything a new reader needs to get started.
The Super Connected Toolkit is an essay in 10 chapters inspired by Tim Arnold's first touring show of his nationally acclaimed album ‘Super Connected’, which explores addiction to screens and social media. Developed through personal experiences and insights on the tour, this toolkit offers practical strategies to strike a balance between digital connectivity, real-life connections and The Light Phone.
10 Insights from the Super Connected Tour: Rebalancing Digital and Analogue Life
Inspired by Sherry Turkle’s book Alone Together, Kate and I wanted to create a space where people can truly connect without distractions. Our shows encourage a communal experience where people interact without their phones. This helps to facilitate real conversations and connections.
At our shows, we invite the audience to place their phones in neoprene pouches locked with cable ties. This ‘PhoneFreeze’ ritual helps people experience the freedom of being disconnected from their devices, if only for a little while. Many attendees appreciate this break from their screens, finding it a refreshing change.
Smartphones trigger rapid dopamine release, creating an addictive cycle. Practicing gratitude, however, naturally releases dopamine and serotonin, reducing stress and anxiety. At the end of each Super Connected event, we practice the ‘For You’ ritual, a three-minute salutation of gratitude, to help people reconnect with these positive emotions.
To reduce the urge to constantly take photos, we embrace the "Take one, leave one" method. For every photo taken, we choose not to take the next one. This helps us savour moments without always needing to capture them, for a healthier relationship with technology and a deeper appreciation for the present.
Chapter 5. Start With The Sound
Music is increasingly tied to digital identities and streaming services. We advocate for simpler, pre-digital devices like iPods that allow us to enjoy music without distractions, with a deeper connection to the music itself, rather than the technology delivering it.
Chapter 6. FOMO: The Fun of Missing Out - Turn Off Notifications
One essential tool I used while writing and directing Super Connected was a non-smartphone. By turning off all notifications on my smartphone, I eliminated distractions and stayed focused. This practice helps enjoy the present moment without the constant pull of notifications.
With instant answers at our fingertips, we spend less time wondering and imagining. Sometimes, it’s better to forgo immediate answers and let our minds wander. This nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills, which are vital for addressing the world’s challenges.
Chapter 8. Start a Conversation
Starting conversations, both with ourselves and others, is crucial. Being alone doesn’t have to mean being on our phones. By allowing thoughts to come and go without distraction, we can wonder, imagine, and problem-solve more effectively.
The Light Phone is a minimalist phone designed to be used as little as possible. It’s a tool for those looking to minimise screen time while still staying connected. I began using Light Phone before and during the Super Connected tour. It changed my life.
Everyone’s relationship with technology is unique. Super Connected isn’t about being tech-critical but about having an offline conversation about our digital lives. We love technology and its gifts, but we aim to balance our digital and embodied selves. Join us on this journey to find that balance.
Just remember, subscribing is for champions!