Digital Havens

This term was introduced during a webinar with the Center for Digital Thriving. While we were there to hear about reporting that will help inform an improved approach to serving teens who deal with burnout and grind culture, this term stuck with me.?

In the literal form, I came across an explanation that a digital haven is a “place that protects data without regulation or interruption.” This tracks from the tech lens.

Now let’s take this further. If we look at “digital haven” through a more emotional and connected lens, with a particular focus on our tech use, what would that look like? How can we balance our tech use, mental health, and safety in the digital places where we spend most of our time?*

The most important question: how would you create your digital haven? What is automatically included, and what gets immediately removed? Would you connect with others in this space? How?

For me, my haven would consist of conscious content creators reminding me to meditate, breathe, and ground myself to the earth. I need this now more than ever. Then I would include only the creators who I find to be hilarious with my favorite videos of theirs saved. Let’s throw in some cute puppy videos too for good measure.

I find that my mental baseline tends to be too dark, too serious, and a little too negative so I would want my digital haven to only have the mindful silly whimsy that I know my brain and soul need. My haven would also kick me out after an allotted amount of time because I also need the reminder to connect back with my physical world and relationships. It would become the reminder that it’s always there for me to come back to when I need it.

I can already hear the what ifs, the what about, you forgot. This is simply what I would do when I need refuge. I have other things in place for when I’m actively consuming for the sake of pop culture, and when I'm looking to advocate and learn.

The thing about LookUp.Live is that we know that you know best.

Those of you who are 18-25, have lived experiences, know what the digital environment is like, and are far too familiar with which parts have hurt you.

Your solutions are better than anything prescriptive that an adult has told you to do. We're certain that you have ideas, solutions, innovations, and campaigns that create a safer, more inclusive, or mentally improved digital world.

LookUp wants to hear what this is, and then make it a reality. Even better if you’ve already started putting your ideas in motion - we’re here to kickstart your efforts with our LUIC ‘25 grant*.

It could be that your digital haven is something the world is aching for. Let's create it and get you there. ?

*In true LookUp fashion, we want to shout out the teens who are making dedicated efforts to bring about change and put them on your radar. This Teen Life podcast will likely cover more on digital havens so add them to your listening playlist and give them a follow. One of the teens in TTL put it in such a profound way: “Never stillness.” (concerning burnout and grind culture). This concept is something that our LookUp team discusses regularly as a team. Thank you to TTL and The Center for Digital Thriving for inspiring us to talk about this more.?

*Applications are found here. Please note: applications close on November 15th, 2024 at 11:59 pm PT

Yours truly,

Kait Kovach

Program Manager of LookUp.Live

Certified Digital Wellness Educator