The title reflects a long-held practice, of course. This time I’m drawing on “12 Big Social Shifts for 2012,” written by Mal Fletcher:

De-Gadgetisation & the Neo-Frugals

Related to concerns about hyper-tech generally, 2012 will see a drive to recalibrate our reliance on digital communications. Social networking services will continue to play an important role in introducing people to new acquaintances and in facilitating ongoing communication with existing friends. However, people will become more aware of the limitations of cyber-communication and will try to invest more in building face-to-face friendships.

New studies will emerge further showing the challenges posed by Absent Presence and Constant Partial Attention, which limit human ability to interact meaningfully in real-time environments. New psychological terms will be introduced to describe fresh symptoms of psychological or social disorder derived from a heavy reliance on gadgets.

While digital communications devices will continue to grow in sophistication and demand, we can expect to see the burgeoning growth of new genres of publishing and media products dealing with the discipline of digital behaviour. We will also see more general public discussion about the need for a less digital, more human-centric social order.

Meanwhile, education and employer groups will set out to better train young people in real-time communication skills. Linked to this will be a neo-frugalism movement, which will urge a simpler, less consumer-driven lifestyle with greater levels of physical human interaction. The new frugalism, while given fresh impetus by the ongoing economic strains, will be centred around a core commitment to promoting human relationships.

Though seriously, I would love to see a wider movement to reclaim our time and attention– though not in a Butlerian Jihad, completely disconnect forever kind of way.