Slowcial Media

Ever feel like the world's spinning a bit too fast? 

You're not alone.

Our engagement with media and information has changed dramatically over the last two decades. We're linked to news outlets, workplaces, and one another around the clock.

'Always on' connectivity and the constant distraction that comes with it is prompting a reevaluation of how we interact with digital media and reminding many of us to seek a better balance––so we can produce better work and enjoy more fulfilling relationships.

The Slow Media movement offers a counter-narrative, advocating for limited use of social media and digital devices for a more considered pace and quality of life.

THINGS WE'VE BEEN DOING

We recently visited The Charleston Trust–a place that brings people together to engage with art and ideas. We've come back refreshed and invigorated, full of new ideas for both our professional design practice and personal art practice.

We recently collaborated with multi-discipline creative event and design studio Heaps + Stacks, who hired us to support them in delivering a summer themed lino cutting workshop to co–exist with other activities for a PR & Press event.

The most fun, memorable thing about it was seeing people light up throughout the process, and again once they had seen their tapestries. It's just so good to see and vibe with.

Due to the success of the collaboration, we're hosting a one–off lino cutting event here at 180 The Strand on Friday, May 17th. Let me know if you'd like to come along and connect with your inner child, as well as the other likeminded people who will be there!

WATCH / LISTEN / LEARN

Deep Work by Cal Newport 

emphasises the importance of focused, undistracted work on challenging tasks for success and mastery. Newport differentiates between vital "deep work" and less demanding "shallow work," offering practical tips for developing deep work habits such as reducing distractions, setting routines, and using boredom to improve focus.

The Social Dilemma Directed by Jeff Orlowski

explores social media's adverse effects, revealing through ex-tech insiders how platforms manipulate user data and psychology for profit, leading to addiction, privacy breaches, mental health issues, misinformation, and societal division. It has ignited widespread discussion on social media's extensive influence on individuals and society.

The "Slowcial" project by Anshuman Dhar 

focuses on mitigating social media's negative aspects through design interventions that promote mindful consumption, aiming to curb misinformation and enhance digital wellbeing. The approach involves research and prototyping to encourage thoughtful engagement with content, highlighted by a Twitter experiment. 

Slow Media: Why Slow is Satisfying, Sustainable, and Smart  

Jennifer Rauch's work on "Slow Media" explores mindful media consumption, advocating for a more deliberate, quality-over-quantity approach to media use.

Rauch's philosophy aligns with other "Slow" movements, focusing on intentional consumption and the positive impacts of reducing digital overload. Her insights aim to create deeper, more meaningful media interactions, contributing to a healthier digital and physical environment. 

NO SELF CONTROL?

If you've come to the point where technology is ruling you, rather than you using it as a tool, you can buy one of these from Amazon. It'll stop you from always accessing your phone.