The (NEW) Pillars of Tech Consciousness

I’m aware that I’ve already distinguished the “Pillars of Tech Consciousness” however I do still think that they need work. So here’s the updated version. Do take a look at the previous article though!

Why new pillars?

I realise that technology is an unavoidable part of daily life. I haven’t used a card or cash in what feels like forever. Almost everything is digital so I wanted to revamp my pillars in order to be synonymous with day-to-day living. You can use any of these in your life. They aren’t limited to a screen or device. They blend in seamlessly. If you can use them with everything else, why not frame them to be used with your technology usage also? All about making the next right decision.

1. Boundaries

Boundaries are defined as “a line which marks the limits of an area; a dividing line“. In fact, boundaries are actually the only physical step you take in this pillar. Everything else is related to your thinking and mindset. However “mindset” isn’t something measurable. You can only measure “mindset” by tallying up observable actions and tangible results. Everything else falls to the wayside.

There are different forms of boundaries. Simple ones include:

• Time boundaries: restricting how long you spend on technology
• Space boundaries: limiting the areas you use technology
• Attention boundaries: limiting notifications, setting your screen to greyscale, using do not disturb

However, there are much more in depth and heavy boundaries you can set:

• Behavioural boundaries: preventing habit loops and compulsive behaviour eg deleting apps which keep you up late, no infinite scroll apps
• Identity boundaries: avoiding content which places you in a group-think mindset or warps your worldview
• Emotional boundaries: not letting your emotions or self image be manipulated by what you see 

The rest of the pillars are related to raising your floor, raising your thinking to a level where you’re able to distinguish between what you will initially interact with. Boundaries are a ceiling raiser, once you’re in the game you are able to dodge and manoeuvre what is trying to trip you up.

2. Awareness

Awareness is defined as: 

“Knowledge that something exists, or understanding of a situation or subject at the present time based on information or experience“.

Understanding what is going on when you’re using technology is critical. If you’re mindless you’ll become more and more stuck in the spider web. It’s the mindfulness pillar, the one where you observe yourself and take into account what’s going on and make decisions based off your intuition.

The following are areas you should be aware of:

• Awareness of setup: How and why platforms are designed the way they are, why you feel compelled to stay on longer
• Awareness of input: What you consume, why you do so and how often it occurs
• Awareness of response: How do your mind & body react? Anxious or compulsive? Joy and delight? Responsive or numb?
• Awareness of substitution: Where do you swap out your offline life for your offline one? Does it make discomfort or meaningful contribution?

Awareness resets what’s going on and returns you to be present. Talking to yourself rather than letting your brain babble to you about whatever is going on inside of it (whether you placed it there or not).

3. Intention 

This the anchor that holds everything else together. It’s with no doubt in my mind the most important pillar. Without intention, everything else falls apart. Imagine doing something while not knowing why you’re doing it? Why are you doing it? It’s the chief pillar and for good reason. You must know why you’re doing something and the reasoning behind it. This allows you to ask yourself questions and come to conclusions. If you’re happy with the reasoning then go ahead, no sweat. If there’s even a single iota of doubt in your mind, you have to ask again, why? There’s a reason children love asking it. Questions get you to the answers you desire. You shouldn’t have to settle for anything less!

I will once again include Solange’s song “Nothing Without Intention” interlude. It’s a beautiful song from an equally beautiful album!

4. Literacy

Literacy is definitely the easiest one to explain however it’s the hardest one to keep on top of as the landscape of technology is evolving quickly at all times. Here’s a quick synopsis.

Literacy is down to knowing enough about what you’re coming up against in order to counteract it. The comprehension pillar. Knowing enough to not fall into a trap and to not make the same mistake over and over. Knowing the systems behind the screen.

The following fall underneath literacy:

• Understanding the algorithm: Why does certain content do extremely well? How and why does certain content get recommended to you based off your actions?
• Attention economy: How do platforms monetise your attention, emotions and bank on you being predictable enough to stay on?
• AI Literacy: Knowing how LLM’s work, data origin, bias sources, limits and hallucinations
• Media literacy: Spotting framing, manipulation, rage baiting and propaganda

Know enough to not be manipulated. That’s the aim.

5. Alignment

This is the final step which ties everything together. Alignment is defined as:

“An arrangement in which two or more things are positioned in a straight line or parallel to each other“.

You need to mix all of the elements in order to have a cohesive system. When your tech usage is aligned with values, it’s much easier to see where something isn’t serving you or is putting up a roadblock to where you want to get. This is the integration of all your learnings, which updates continuously. Questions to ask yourself include:

1. Does your tech usage align with who you want to be? Alternatively, does it reflect who you are currently?
2. Does your tech usage support your goals, relationships, health, creativity or contributions you make to those around you?
3. Does your online life align with your offline life? What do you do different online to what you do in real life? Where do conflicts lie?

These are some simple questions to ask but they can be fleshed out deeply. The name of the game is questions. They give clarity where it wouldn’t have been otherwise. Alignment is the final step where you take everything and combine it into something cohesive. Take it seriously!

How Do I Organise This?

I organise this as BAILA. Why BAILA?

‘Baila‘ means ‘dance‘ in Spanish. I use this as a metaphor for the flow, joy, and intentional movement you must bring to your technology use.  

Being present. Moving deliberately.

This is what matters the most.

B: Build Boundaries – Are you setting a line on what you can & can’t do?

A: Assess awareness / Are you aware? – Do you know who benefits from what you are doing?

I: Act with Intention – Why are you doing this?

L: Literacy is power – Know what you need to in order to protect yourself

A: Align your actions – Where everything coincides and matches what YOU want it to do