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In a world where screens are practically an extension of ourselves, it’s hard to imagine life without them. From the moment we wake up to the notifications buzzing in our pockets, technology has woven itself into every facet of our daily routines.
But what if there was a different way to live?
My guest today has taken a bold step back and she’s here to share how YOU can do the same. Erin Loechner, founder of the global tech-free movement The Opt-Out Family, made headlines by walking away from a million social media followers to embrace a low-tech lifestyle.
Erin’s first interview on the Goal Digger Podcast was back in 2017. As a former influencer, Erin’s recent journey to tech-free living is nothing short of inspiring!
Her new book, “The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t,” invites us to reconsider our relationship with technology—not just as families, but as individuals looking to reclaim our time and attention.
In our conversation, Erin shares her powerful story of transformation, the hidden costs of our smartphone dependence, and practical steps we can take to unplug and connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your screen time or curious about what life could look like beyond the digital noise, this conversation is for you. Let’s dive into the journey from screen time to quality time with Erin Loechner!
A Journey of Transformation
When I last interviewed Erin back in 2017, she was already making waves in the online space. Fast forward to today, and she’s taken a bold step away from the digital noise to embrace a tech-free lifestyle!
To kick off our discussion, I asked her if she would have believed someone back then if they told her she’d be writing a book about living without technology, and she candidly admitted that she probably wouldn’t have.
However, her inner circle would have known better, as she was ALWAYS questioning the impact of technology on our lives. It just goes to show that the people that love us know us the best, right?!
Erin’s journey began with a desire to pull back from the traditional American dream and question whether the path she was on was truly aligned with her values. As she became a mother, the stakes grew higher.
She realized that living a life dominated by screens was in direct opposition to her goal of being present for her family. This realization sparked a series of questions: Is this the future we want? Is technology helping us achieve our goals?
The Tension of Digital Life
One of the most profound points Erin made was about the tension we often feel in our digital lives. We tend to chalk it up to the struggle of balancing our online presence with our real-life relationships.
But what if we didn’t have to live in that tension? What if we could build a life that supports our values without the constant distraction of technology?
Erin shared her desire for her children to grow up in a world where they could see alternatives to the tech-driven lifestyle. She wanted them to know that it’s possible to have a vibrant social life without being glued to a screen. This desire led her to explore what a tech-free lifestyle could look like for her family.
The Shift to Tech-Free Living
As Erin began to peel back the layers of her online life, she realized that social media was not serving her humanity. It was a distraction that took away from the relationships she valued most.
So, she made the decision to step back from social media altogether. There was no grand announcement or strategy; she simply stopped participating and observed what happened.
This thought experiment was eye-opening for Erin. She discovered that none of her meaningful work or opportunities stemmed from social media. Instead, she found that the time and energy she had previously spent on social media could be redirected toward building real-life relationships and pursuing work that truly made her come alive.
The Power of Connection
One of the most inspiring aspects of Erin’s journey is her commitment to fostering genuine connections. She emphasized that the times when she had the most content to share were often the times when she was living the least.
By stepping away from the need to document every moment, she was able to fully engage in her life and the lives of those around her.
Erin shared a powerful mantra that her family lives by: “Be more engaging than the algorithm.”
This idea resonated deeply with me. In a world where algorithms dictate our online interactions, it’s crucial to prioritize real-life connections. Erin’s approach encourages us to be curious about the people in our lives and to invest in those relationships.
Creating a Tech-Free Culture
As Erin and I discussed the challenges of raising children in a tech-driven world, she shared her experience of becoming the “low-tech hangout zone” for her kids and their friends. By creating an environment where phones are left out at home, she’s fostering a culture of connection and engagement.
Erin’s family has established a no-phones policy during meals and gatherings, allowing everyone to be fully present. She noted that kids often feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing their devices, and by removing that pressure, they can truly enjoy each other’s company.
This approach has not only strengthened her family bonds but has also encouraged her children to recognize the value of quality time over screen time. Erin’s kids have even taken it upon themselves to advocate for their friends, highlighting the importance of being present in the moment!
The Opt-Out Family
One of the most intriguing concepts Erin introduced was the idea of the “opt-out family.” This doesn’t mean completely rejecting technology; rather, it’s about reclaiming agency over how we use it.
Erin emphasized that technology is NOT neutral; it’s designed to capture our attention and time. By opting out of certain aspects of technology, families can create a lifestyle that aligns with their values.
Erin’s research for her book involved interviewing over 250 experts, many of whom echoed the sentiment that technology can be detrimental to our well-being. She encourages families to ask themselves whether their use of technology supports their values and to make conscious choices about how they engage with it.
Practical Steps to Go Tech-Free
If you’re feeling inspired to create a more tech-free lifestyle, Erin shared some practical steps to get started. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Turn on Parental Controls: Erin began her journey by turning on parental controls on her own phone. This allowed her to see what it was like to navigate life without constant internet access. It’s a great way to experiment with reducing screen time.
- Change Your Phone’s Aesthetic: Erin made her phone’s wallpaper black, signaling to her brain that it was just a tool, not a source of entertainment or connection. This simple change helped her detach from the emotional ties to her device.
- Create Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around technology use in your home. For example, no devices at the dinner table or during family time. This encourages everyone to be present and engaged.
- Foster Real Connections: Make an effort to connect with people in your life through emails or face-to-face interactions. Erin shared her practice of sending encouraging emails to people she admires, which has helped her build meaningful relationships.
- Be the Low-Tech Hangout Zone: Invite friends and their kids over for tech-free gatherings. Create an environment where everyone can enjoy each other’s company without the distraction of devices.
Embracing the Journey
As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Erin’s journey. She reminded us that opting out of technology doesn’t mean we’re missing out; instead, it opens up a world of possibilities for deeper connections and more meaningful experiences.
In a society that often equates success with online presence, Erin’s message is a refreshing reminder that we can choose to live differently. By prioritizing quality time over screen time, we can create a lifestyle that aligns with our values and fosters genuine connections.
If you’re feeling the pull to explore a tech-free lifestyle, I encourage you to start small. Reflect on your relationship with technology and consider what changes you can make to prioritize quality time with yourself and your loved ones.
Start Your Tech-Free Journey
For those interested in diving deeper into Erin’s insights, her book is available anywhere books are sold. Also, be sure to check out the corresponding website she created filled with resources, a Q&A, and screen-free swaps!
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for ways to enhance your tech-free lifestyle, there’s something for everyone.
I hope you feel inspired to take action and create a life that prioritizes quality time over screen time!
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