Now, in many cases this removal may be partial and or symbolic in nature.
For example, although the flip phone still has some digital features such as texting.
Its limited Internet connectivity significantly reduces the functions
that can be performed using this device.
As a result, users spend less time on their phone, and
more time doing other things.
Now let's take a look at the benefits of both digital and analog, of this strategy.
Typically, distancing transforms an analog product or
service by subtracting some of its digital benefits.
You may have heard the term addition by subtracting?
This is exactly what distancing is all about.
As we know, too much of a good thing can be bad.
For example, if you're like me and you enjoy the taste of ice cream,
you have to be careful not to enjoy it too much.
Likewise, while digital features such as visibility or
trackability may provide some benefits when employed in moderation.
A growing number of people are becoming concerned that these features may also
lead to negative consequences, such as lack of privacy, identify theft.
And even bullying, as the result, many people are seeking analog
experiences that avoid these negative consequences of our digital world.
But now here's an audio to show you a couple of additional examples of analog
products and
services that have been transformed by distancing from the digital.
>> Thanks Eric.
As Eric discussed, there is a growing sense of awareness that too much time
spent in the digital world is harmful in many ways, thus a growing number
of people are seeking ways to distance themselves from the digital world.
In response, a number of digital detox camps have sprung up around the world.
These camps allow digital addicts to disconnect from the digital and
reconnect with the analog.
For example, Camp Grounded is a digital detox summer camp in California that
forces campers to distance themselves from the digital by banning smart phones,
tablets, and computers.
Instead, the focus is on establishing face to face interactions, and
campers participate in traditional analog activities such as meditation,
yoga, and hiking.
If you think that these types of camps sound a lot like the types of camps that
you attended as a kid, you are right.
In essence, by distancing from the digital, the traditional summer camp for
kids has been transformed in its function, and
has become an escape for adults in need of a detox from the digital.
Another great example of distancing is the recent rise
of a phenomenon called no text schools.
While most schools are seeking to obtain the newest forms of digital devices,
no text schools ban most forms of technology such as computers, and
Internet connectivity.
Instead, they employ traditional learning tools such as chalk boards,
paper and pencils.
For example,
the Waldorf school of the Peninsula has no computers and no screens of any kind.
Instead it engages it's students in traditional analog activity such
as cooking and knitting.
This school believes that by engaging children in these types of hands on
physical task they are developing creativity and problem solving skills.
What's most surprising about this school is it's located in heart of silicon valley
and filled with the children of high tech and
executives from digital firms as Google, Apple and Yahoo.
Thus by distancing from the digital world, these schools have transformed the way
in which education is delivered to provide a compelling value proposition.