In celebration of the fifth annual National Day of Unplugging (NDU) -- from sundown Friday, March 7 to sundown, Saturday, March 8 -- the nonprofit Reboot is asking individuals and families to reconnect with each other by putting down their smartphones, tablets and computers for 24 hours.
The topic of families unplugging is especially close to home for today's NDU interviewee Randi Zuckerberg, who has joined Reboot's National Day of Unplugging as an advocate for the annual digital detox.
Today, she shares how she unplugs and what it means to her family.
Randi Zuckerberg Talks Unplugging
1. How did you get involved in unplugging?
When I had my son almost three years ago, I became much more conscious of how often I was using my devices in his presence. Though he was just a baby, I realized he could tell when I wasn't giving him my full attention.
2. What do you do when you unplug?
Unplugging is my way of becoming present and truly connecting with the people around me. On the weekends, my husband and I take our son out to the park or to dinner "alone" by leaving our phones at home.
3. What is the most overrated piece of modern technology?
I think some of the most common apps on smartphones are replacing our dependance on our own memories -- maps, notes, calendars and reminders, to name a few. I personally use these tools all the time, but I'm trying to step back and appreciate the power of my own memory once in a while!
4. Do you make unplugging a regular practice? If so, how?
In a world where people are expected to be reachable 24/7, it is really hard to make unplugging a regular practice. I used to feel so guilty when I took more than a day or two to answer emails when others were depending on my quick response. But since creating Dot Complicated, I have become much more proactive about creating unplugged moments throughout the week.
5. Any plans for the next NDU?
I'll be at South by Southwest this year during the National Day of Unplugging. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to connect with people in person. Though you'll see some of the most connected techies and social media influencers at SXSW, it's great to see how they still value the power of personal, one-on-one interaction.
6. If you could unplug and spend time with one person for an hour, who would it be and what would you do?
I would unplug and spend that hour at the park with my son, Asher. He loves trains, and there's this cute little park near our home where he would ride the choo-choo train all day long if he could. Or Beyoncé -- but don't tell Asher!
Zuckerberg, is CEO and founder of Zuckerberg Media, a tech savvy production company, and editor-in-chief of Dot Complicated, a modern lifestyle community and blog. Zuckerberg was an early employee of Facebook where she pioneered live streaming initiatives and struck groundbreaking deals with ABC and CNN. She has been nominated for an Emmy and is ranked among the "50 Digital Power Players" by the Hollywood Reporter. Zuckerberg is the author of Dot., an illustrated children's book about a spunky little girl obsessed with electronic devices. She lives with her husband, Brent, and son, Asher, in Silicon Valley.
Join Zuckerberg and the NDU community in taking stock of our digital use. Share what you do when you are unplugged by snapping an "I UNPLUG TO ____" photo. Upload it to www.NationalDayofUnplugging.com or post it to Facebook or Twitter with #unplug.