Day to Disconnect Goes for 1 Million Unplugging Hours - October 2nd

A worldwide movement is to take place this October 2nd, a day when thousands of people will voluntarily unplug their gadgets for a certain period of time  - an hour, two or even all day - and choose to focus on activities reconnect with the people and events that are important to them.

How many of you were not, at least for once, disturbed by the fact that they were left hanging by someone who was just too busy connecting with his/hers gadgets. Or maybe you're the one making others feel uncomfortable.

This is how the ‘Day to Disconnect’ was born, an initiative launched by Ohr Naava, a nonprofit women's organization, and joined by Unplug and Reconnect organization.

Set to take place on October 2, 2011, Day to Disconnect aims to raise 1,000,000 Unplugged hours on that one day.

"In this digital age, we need to achieve a new balance in our lives," said Dr. Joseph Geliebter, a clinical psychologist and founder of Unplug and Reconnect. "Our motto at Unplug and Reconnect is 'Love Technology... Love People More!'

"Technology allows us to be more efficient and productive, which should translate to having more time for loved ones. Yet, too often, we become preoccupied with technology, spending more and more of our free time with it," he added.

Day to Disconnect is about awareness, to help start the conversation on technology dependence. "Do we think that a few hours can make a difference? Yes, we do," continued Dr. Geliebter. "Certainly, an hour is only a first step, but based on the overwhelming response to the campaign, people are looking for the permission to unplug."

You are also invited to take part of this global initiative and pledge your hours by using the following link. So far, more than 100,000 people have viewed the campaign YouTube videos, and tens of thousands of hours have been pledged.

Those who have already registered indicated they will use the pledged hours to spend quality time with loved ones, meditating, reading, learning, gardening, cooking, basking in tranquility, or, as one person said, "just being."

How would you spend one hour free from technology?

We’ll invite you to watch the video below, which we hope will help you make a decision: