Don't Implode, Unplug! Take a Break from Technology on the "National Day of Unplugging"

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's National Day of Unplugging comes not a moment too soon! As Americans struggle with post-election stress and the highest levels of technological overload ever, the eighth universal day of digital detox by the global nonprofit Reboot offers an urgently needed escape from the relentless deluge of information emanating from the now ubiquitous and ever-present screens that dominate our daily lives.

From sundown on Friday, March 3^rd, through sundown Saturday, March 4^th, the National Day of Unplugging will vividly demonstrate the positive impact a 24-hour digital power-down can have on individuals, families and entire communities. People in every corner of the world are being encouraged to come together to reaffirm their humanity, combat societal disintegration and find reprieve from the persistent digital distractions that define our modern lives, by detaching from their devices and connecting face-to-face.

"Without question, technology is one of the most positive and powerful advances of our day," says David Katznelson, Reboot's Executive Director. "But too much tech can lead to stress and isolation. The National Day of Unplugging is meant to be a gentle, yet urgent reminder that to thrive in life, we must make time for self-reflection and relationships with those around us. Strong divisions in our society today make this year's power-down more critical than ever—we invite everyone to join us on March 3^rd as we unplug and connect with the people and experiences that truly give our lives value and meaning."

As a special kick-off for the 2017 National Day of Unplugging, Reboot has issued The Great American Power-Down Challenge, an urgent call-to-action in light of today's elevated media frenzy. The Challenge is simple: Power-Down and People Up. It's Time to Reboot and Take our Humanity Back. To quote former President Barack Obama in his final address:

 "If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try to talk with one in real life."

Anyone can participate in the Great American Power-Down Challenge by taking the National Day of Unplugging Pledge (you'll receive a free mobile phone "sleeping bag" when you do), uploading an "I UNPLUG TO ___________" photo to social channels, or attending one of the more than 200 live unplugging experience events at music festivals, parks, and clubs around the world. Check out the National Day of Unplugging Power-Down Challenge Tool Kit at www.NationalDayOfUnplugging.com to get a cell phone sleeping bag and ways to make the most out of an unplugged day.

Digital devices are with us everywhere, and we check them compulsively – in the aggregate, more than nine billion times per day. People peek at their phones during meetings, on dates, at dinner, while playing with the kids and even in the bathroom. Most look at their phone first thing in the morning and then an average of 47 times a day—and young adults do it even more often: an average of 74 times a day, according to a Deloitte survey of U.S. digital use in 2016.  As many as 43% of Americans today never unplug, allowing phones to buzz and vibrate all day long and throughout the night as they sleep.

With participation worldwide in 125 countries (including far-flung places such as the Bhutan, the Isle of Man, the Aaland Islands, Mongolia, Andorra, and Kazakhstan), nearly 70,000 people have been engaged in direct unplugging events just in the past three years.

This year, Reboot dedicates the eighth annual National Day of Unplugging in the memory of Levi Felix, founder of Digital Detox, who passed away this year of cancer.

About the National Day of Unplugging
The National Day of Unplugging has roots in the Jewish tradition of the Sabbath. This modern day of rest was developed in 2010 for people of all backgrounds as a way to bring balance to the increasingly fast-paced way of life and reclaim time to connect with family, friends and our communities. The NDU has resonated around the world with people of all backgrounds, from Catholic to Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim and has been embraced by a range of celebrities including Arianna Huffington, Jill Soloway, and Tiffany Shlain. Visit www.NationalDayOfUnplugging.com to learn more. 

About Reboot
Reboot affirms the value of Jewish traditions and creates new ways for people to make them their own. Inspired by Jewish ritual and embracing the arts, humor, food, philosophy, and social justice, we produce creative projects that spark the interest of young Jews and the larger community. Among our productions are events, exhibitions, recordings, books, films, DIY activity toolkits, and apps. Since our inception, 509 network members, 895 community organization partners, and hundreds of thousands of people have looked to Reboot to rekindle connections and re-imagine Jewish lives full of meaning, creativity, and joy. Find out more at rebooters.net.

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King + Company                                                                                                          
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SOURCE Reboot

Related Links

http://www.rebooters.net