15 Prompts for Balancing Tech Use at Home and in Our Lives

Image

two young women sitting at a computer together

One of the beautiful things about living in the latter days is the gift of progressing technology. With a few clicks, we have access to all books of scripture, general conference talks from three days to 30 or more years ago, and records of ancestors. We can even call a friend across the globe or check the weather without looking out the window or standing outside.

Inspired advances in technology help in the hastening of the Lord’s work in these latter-days. They can also help us connect, learn, and grow. However, the misuse of such technology can also introduce us to unhealthy habits and distractions that will lead us away from our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ if we are not careful.

This principle from President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, can help us navigate technology wisely: “We should be careful not to exhaust our available time on things that are merely good and leave little time for that which is better or best.”¹

Balancing technology use in our lives will help us to recognize and make time for things that are “best” while still enjoying and participating in the benefits of technology.

What is my relationship with technology?

We may sometimes struggle to use technology appropriately, and we may feel guilty when that happens. If so, it’s helpful to be aware of influences that encourage harmful technology use. For example, profit-driven companies are known to use tactics designed to foster addictive behaviors if we let them. Additionally, excessive use of social media has been shown to trigger depression and other emotional health challenges. It is helpful to know that there are things we can do to evaluate our technology use and seek Heavenly Father’s help to ensure we are using it appropriately and safely.

To find out where we may stand with technology, try taking this quiz modeled after the Taking Charge of Technology guide in the Gospel Library under Youth.

Read each statement and—using a paper, phone, or the note function on this screen—decide how true each statement is about you. If you find areas where you can improve, remember that taking control of our lives may be a gradual process and none of us is perfect. We should be honest with ourselves as we choose the best answer from the response key.

After completing the quiz, identify which areas you need more development in. Then, set a goal or two to help you become more in control of technology.

Purpose

1. I know how long I will spend on a device when I turn it on.

2. I know why I am using a device.

3. I am spending only the time I need to on a device.

4. I do not catch myself pointlessly scrolling on a device.

5. I feel good about what I am doing when I am on a device.

Plan

1. I give myself a daily limit for screen time.

2. I mostly follow and contact only close family and friends while on my phone.

3. I have device-free areas at home.

4. I set up a charging station, away from my bed, so my device is plugged in and out of reach at night.

5. I use filters to block inappropriate or unsafe applications and content.

Pause

1. I recognize my emotions when I see content that is explicit or makes me feel bad, lonely, or weird.

2. I listen to the Spirit for guidance when I am on a device.

3. I turn off or silence my device when I see content that is explicit or makes me feel bad, lonely, uncomfortable, or unable to feel the Holy Ghost.

4. I can leave my device in a different room or go outside without the device if needed.

5. I am open to talking to a friend or family member about how I am feeling, especially in person when needed.