Ever Have Trouble Putting Your Phone Down to be Present With Others?

I think we can all can agree that technology is a huge influence in the shaping of our lives and relationships. That’s why I’m a huge believer in placing healthy boundaries around our technology. It’s something I have been writing about for about 6 years, especially after being heavily influenced by the work of my friend John Dyer in his book, From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology. And honestly, I feel like it’s a huge struggle right now for me to keep the boundaries in a healthy place. That’s probably why I write about it…as a reminder to myself more than anything.

John really helped me understand how technology shapes us at a real deep level, and since then I have been thinking through and experimenting with different boundaries that can be practiced in regards to my use of technology.

In fact, here is an old video of me speaking a couple of years ago about the idea of a “tech basket” in your home.

So if we want to maintain relational presence in a technological world, we have to put some practices in place to help us become more mindful of our use of technology.

That’s why I love this idea of Ned the Phone Monster. I first heard of Ned from my friends Mark and Kim who are friends with the founders of Ned, Jenny and Josh Solar.

I only wish I had come up with the idea. It’s definitely a brilliant and practical idea.

So check out the video clip below of Jenny Solar talking about Ned on Good Morning America. And if you are interested, you can help support them in getting Ned into stores, and into your house.