REFLCTions: Why my outlook on technology usage has changed forever

Earlier this year HP created REFLCT, an interactive mindfulness widget to help us assess our individual digital wellbeing in terms of how we use tech, rather than how much time we’re spending on it.

To create REFLCT we worked closely with leading cyberpsychologist and researcher Dr. Andrew Campbell, who was not only instrumental in its creation but imparted a lot of wisdom along the way.

I wanted to share some insights on what creating REFLCT has made me consider, as we all examine our changing relationship with technology in our new hybrid world.

Please read on and let me know in the comments if you have any further thoughts on the role technology plays in balancing our ‘online’ and ‘offline’ lives.

Why must we REFLCT?

To set the scene, we partly created REFLCT in response to the pandemic, though the concept had been conceived much earlier. We’re increasingly spending more time in front of screens, with lockdowns driving this time up, and we knew this societal shift meant it was time to reconsider our relationship with technology, how we should be perceiving ‘screen time’ and the value it was providing.

REFLCT was created as a widget which allows us to analyse our tech usage according to the four pillars of digital experience, based on research conducted by Dr Campbell and his team. These pillars are connectivity, productivity, entertainment and health.

Dr Campbell advised that from a social and developmental psychology point of view, these four pillars align with the key components that human being find the most meaningful in their lives. So, it was only natural we used these as the basis for REFLCT.

The interactive tool leads the user through a quick survey that comprises of two questions from each of the four pillars, which we answer based on our digital experience from the previous day. Each response then unlocks information on how our interactions with technology have impacted our digital wellness.

We wanted to challenge ourselves and long-held perceptions on the role tech played in our overall wellbeing, and creating REFLCT has allowed us to do just that.

Redefining our mindsets around digital wellbeing

There’s a longstanding stereotype that there is a correlation between screentime and our overall wellbeing. Of course, regular breaks from screens are encouraged and healthy, but in a world surrounded by technology we would be amiss not to consider the positive impact our digital experiences can have.

As an example, during lockdowns my band and I wrote, practiced and developed news songs through virtual meetings and music software. This increased our screen time, but through using REFLCT we soon realised the extra screen time benefited our mental health and overall wellbeing, by understanding that tech had made us feel productive, creative and connected.

And though many of us sometimes wonder if our society’s obsession with mobile phones, social media and endless ‘group chats’ might be driving us away from dinnertime conversations or social gatherings, Dr Campbell challenged that this is still human connection, often with loved ones who aren’t nearby.

But redefining our mindsets around digital wellbeing doesn’t give us the license to ignore and neglect in-person communication. It’s important we find a balance, that suits us. REFLCT has been created to help us consider what this balance looks like; it’s very different for each of us and can change week on week. I’ve learned there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how much technology we use, it’s about what we need at any given time and recognising when technology helps or hinders our wellbeing.

Embracing balance in technology usage

REFLCT has become a hot topic in the office, sparking conversations about how we individually use technology, and allowing us to compare our REFLCTions, in a judgement-free way. What’s stood out to me is the shift in language we use when colleagues have shared novel ways they used their devices to relax, for entertainment, to connect with others and the direct and indirect impact tech can play in our health. The emphasis is now on how we use screen time, not how often.

Outside of work hours, I don’t spend a huge amount of time on a screen, but it’s these conversations which has alleviated any guilt around the occasional weekend movie marathon with my girls and Michelle. I used to feel guilty, thinking I should be spending my downtime away from a screen, but REFLCT helped me recognise that technology plays an important role in my overall wellbeing.

Having said that, I still get a huge amount of joy from putting the screens away for some much needed ‘face time’ with my friends and family, which is so important to me. ?

Since REFLCT went live, Dr Campbell and I have checked in a few times, comparing our results (see our REFLCTions below). Though he typically spends more of his downtime on a screen than I do, it’s been great to hear REFLCT has helped him see spending time on entertainment as regenerating, rather than feeling guilt associated with screen time.

REFLCT helps us understand how our technology use has improved or deteriorated our overall wellbeing, and helps us set parameters on the role we want tech to play in our lives. This can change weekly, but I’m incredibly proud we’ve created a tool that can help people find that balance and ensure their technology usage is playing the most appropriate role in their lives.

To start your REFLCTion journey see here: https://sites.hp.com/campaign/reflct/au-en/index.html