ORI
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Managing Technology in Everyday Life

Description

Nearly all personal technology involves trading depth and focus for the “superpowers” that tech delivers to us. Texts and notifications, for example, limit the number of sensory inputs through which we experience others, rendering more and more of our social lives as two-dimensional, with far less sensory and relational “signal.” Consequently, we are more likely to be misinterpreted, have conflict, and lack genuine interpersonal connection. (We also miss out on boring or difficult interactions that would help us develop patience and humility.)

Widespread adoption of these tools of communication has not only left us “alone together,” it has weakened the social infrastructure required for a common life and left us in a world of “influencers” and “followers” instead. In the attention economy, we have given away one of our most valuable assets—the ability to think and act deeply and wisely.

We’re interested in technology applications that are “instruments rather than devices” (see Andy Crouch’s book, The Life We’re Looking For), enriching and enhancing our personal capacities rather than substituting for them. We want ventures creating new products that enhance rather than deplete the shared life of families, neighborhoods, schools, organizations, and society.

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Praxis Ventures

Ventures within the Praxis community working on this ORI.

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Techless

creates pure and simple technology for intentional living. Its first offering is the Wisephone, which decreases screen time, removes distractions, and prevents access to harmful content (Chris Kaspar & Jon Lentz, Business 2022).

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Screen Sanity (Formerly START)

provides tips, tools, and training to help families and communities maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its harmful side effects (Tracy Foster & Krista Boan, Nonprofit 2019).

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