YA Weekly
15 Prompts for Balancing Tech Use at Home and in Our Lives
March 2024

Digital Only

15 Prompts for Balancing Tech Use at Home and in Our Lives

By Alyssa Bradford

Church Magazines

This quiz can help you establish a purpose for using tech devices, make a plan for them, and even take a break from technology as needed.

two young women sitting at a computer together

One of the beautiful things about living in the latter days is the gift of progressing technology. With a few clicks, we have access to all books of scripture, general conference talks from three days to 30 or more years ago, and records of ancestors. We can even call a friend across the globe or check the weather without looking out the window or standing outside.

Inspired advances in technology help in the hastening of the Lord’s work in these latter-days. They can also help us connect, learn, and grow. However, the misuse of such technology can also introduce us to unhealthy habits and distractions that will lead us away from our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ if we are not careful.

This principle from President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, can help us navigate technology wisely: “We should be careful not to exhaust our available time on things that are merely good and leave little time for that which is better or best.”1

Balancing technology use in our lives will help us to recognize and make time for things that are “best” while still enjoying and participating in the benefits of technology.

What is my relationship with technology?

We may sometimes struggle to use technology appropriately, and we may feel guilty when that happens. If so, it’s helpful to be aware of influences that encourage harmful technology use. For example, profit-driven companies are known to use tactics designed to foster addictive behaviors if we let them. Additionally, excessive use of social media has been shown to trigger depression and other emotional health challenges. It is helpful to know that there are things we can do to evaluate our technology use and seek Heavenly Father’s help to ensure we are using it appropriately and safely.

To find out where we may stand with technology, try taking this quiz modeled after the Taking Charge of Technology guide in the Gospel Library under Youth.

Read each statement and—using a paper, phone, or the note function on this screen—decide how true each statement is about you. If you find areas where you can improve, remember that taking control of our lives may be a gradual process and none of us is perfect. We should be honest with ourselves as we choose the best answer from the response key.

After completing the quiz, identify which areas you need more development in. Then, set a goal or two to help you become more in control of technology.

Purpose

  1. I know how long I will spend on a device when I turn it on.

  2. I know why I am using a device.

  3. I am spending only the time I need to on a device.

  4. I do not catch myself pointlessly scrolling on a device.

  5. I feel good about what I am doing when I am on a device.

Plan

  1. I give myself a daily limit for screen time.

  2. I mostly follow and contact only close family and friends while on my phone.

  3. I have device-free areas at home.

  4. I set up a charging station, away from my bed, so my device is plugged in and out of reach at night.

  5. I use filters to block inappropriate or unsafe applications and content.

Pause

  1. I recognize my emotions when I see content that is explicit or makes me feel bad, lonely, or weird.

  2. I listen to the Spirit for guidance when I am on a device.

  3. I turn off or silence my device when I see content that is explicit or makes me feel bad, lonely, uncomfortable, or unable to feel the Holy Ghost.

  4. I can leave my device in a different room or go outside without the device if needed.

  5. I am open to talking to a friend or family member about how I am feeling, especially in person when needed.

Using the Taking Charge of Technology Guide

Looking at the quiz, we can notice that there are three areas that can help us balance our technology use—purpose, plan, and pause. The Taking Charge of Technology guide directs us to have a purpose, plan ahead, and be willing to pause and take a break.

If you scored low in any of these areas, here are some ideas to help you use your tech more intentionally.

I can use technology with a purpose. It doesn’t control me.

Consider making a goal to have a purpose before turning on a device. For example, we may ask ourselves:

Why am I on this device?

Do I feel good about what I will do?

How long will I spend on this device?

Watch this video to see how technology can be addictive for anyone. Find comfort in knowing we don’t have to let it be this way.

When I plan ahead, I feel better and make better choices.

Think about making a plan before getting on a device. One idea for a plan could include setting a screen limit through a timer or through a device’s settings. Planning to only be on a device when someone else is in the room or using filters to block inappropriate content could also keep us safe.

We can make a plan for ourselves, with our family, or even with friends. It helps to have someone keep us accountable so we can succeed in our goals.

It’s OK for me to pause and take a break.

Make a goal to spend some time away from devices. An example of this goal may include doing a social media fast. We can also try talking to someone when our emotions are stimulated in ways that do not make us feel good.

As we make plans and goals, we can remember that our Father in Heaven loves us and knows that we are imperfect. Through Jesus Christ, we know that we can repent of mistakes we have made and that we have someone to turn to who understands and knows how we feel. Watch this video to find out how Heavenly Father can assist us in taking breaks from technology.

Read More

Consider these additional resources that can help us choose to spend each day using technology wisely, instead of letting it control us:

  • The “Media” entry on Gospel Topics provides numerous quotes and article links.

  • Michael R. Morris shares how guidance from the Holy Ghost, vigilance, and family councils can help protect our homes from “cyber skunks” and digital infection in “Making Our Homes Media Safe.”

  • The March 2022 edition of the Friend magazine shares “Technology Tips” for us and children.

  • President Russell M. Nelson said, “The future is always uncertain. Weather changes. Economic cycles are unpredictable. Disasters, accidents, and illness can change life quickly. These actions are largely beyond our control. But there are some things we can control, including how we spend our time each day.”2 Read more in his April 2022 general conference address “Now Is the Time.”

  • Although written for missionaries, the principles in Safeguards for Using Technology can also be helpful for individuals and families using technology as disciples of Jesus Christ.