In a world where disasters like bushfires, floods and storms can escalate quickly, timely warnings are vital. The Australian Government is rolling out a new national emergency alert system called AusAlert.

AusAlert uses modern cell broadcast technology to send emergency notifications straight to mobile phones, bypassing traditional text messages that can be slowed by network congestion.

Instead of SMS, AusAlert will deliver messages tailored to a very specific location, to within 160 metres — sometimes to as little as a single street or building — so people in harm’s way can be warned quickly and accurately. That’s a big step forward from the older system, which could struggle to get messages to everyone on time during major emergencies.

The system will alert for a range of serious events including natural hazards like bushfires, floods and cyclones, public safety threats, biosecurity risks and health emergencies.

The trial and how the rollout will work

Before AusAlert becomes fully operational, the Government is conducting phased testing to make sure it works smoothly. 

Here’s what’s planned:

June 2026 – Community Trials

In June, a series of smaller tests will be conducted in a range of urban, regional and remote areas across the country. These trials are designed to check the technology in real-world settings and to build community familiarity with what the alerts look and sound like. Locations include:

• Liverpool, NSW
• Port Douglas, QLD
• Majura, ACT
• Launceston, TAS
• Geelong, VIC
• Tennant Creek, NT
• Goomalling, WA
• Port Lincoln, SA
• Queanbeyan, NSW (cross border test) 

27 July 2026 – National Test

Everyone with a compatible phone across Australia will receive a nationwide test alert at 2pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026. This is a big moment for awareness and checking that the system can reach as many devices as possible.

October 2026 – Operational Launch

The Government aims for AusAlert to be fully operational by October 2026, just ahead of the 2026–27 high-risk weather season.

What Australians can expect

AusAlert messages are designed to stand out:

• They will appear on your phone screen even if it’s locked, on silent or in Do Not Disturb mode.
• They use a distinct sound and vibration for the most urgent alerts.
• Alerts can include information about what is happening, where it is, how severe it is and what action to take, along with a link to more details.

There are two types of alerts:

• Critical alerts: For immediate threats to life and property. These have a fixed volume and cannot be disabled.
• Priority alerts: Less intrusive messages that you can opt out of.

About 90 per cent of phones in Australia are expected to be compatible, especially models from recent years.

What you should do if you receive an alert

If you get an AusAlert message:

1. Read it carefully before dismissing it. Alerts provide specific actions you should take.
2. Follow official guidance, whether it’s to evacuate, seek shelter, or stay informed through emergency services.
3. If you’re unsure what the alert means, check state or territory emergency services websites or official social channels for updates.

Remember: these messages are there to help you make safe choices quickly.

Sharing the news and helping others

This is a new system, and not everyone will understand it immediately. Here are ways your community can support one another:

Helping older generations

• Explain that AusAlert is not spam or a virus: it’s an official emergency system.
• Show how alerts might look and sound on everyday phones.
• Remind them not to ignore it, even if it’s loud or catches them by surprise.

Talking with teenagers and young adults

• Most teens already use smartphones regularly, so focus on why the alerts matter.
• Encourage them to share accurate info with family and friends on social media or group chats.

Provide feedback

The Government will be seeking feedback as the system rolls out. 

Engaging with local emergency services and participating in community trial feedback helps improve AusAlert before it becomes fully operational.

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the community testing and national test are significant milestones for AusAlert. 

“The Albanese Government is undertaking these tests to ensure the technology performs as expected, and to build community awareness before AusAlert is needed in an actual emergency,” Ms McBain said.

“This is an important project that will help us and emergency services organisations warn people when they are in harm’s way, saving lives and protecting property during a disaster, delivering on a key finding from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. 

“This is a major development in Australia’s emergency communication landscape, and I thank Australians in advance for their cooperation as we move into the launch phase for AusAlert ahead of the next high risk weather season.”

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by the Hope 103.2 Digital Team.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

About the author: Kim is a media and communications professional who specialises in building community and valuable relationships.

Feature image: Canva

Australia is facing what many describe as a loneliness epidemic, with a third of us reportedly feeling lonely and one in four of us experiencing chronic, severe loneliness.

Psychologist Rachel Harker, founder of dating app Tribal and its friendship offshoot Connect by Tribal, wanted to do something that addresses the widespread social disconnection.

“Loneliness does not just affect singles, it affects everyone,” Rachel said.

“Parents, professionals, retirees – all of us are vulnerable to feeling disconnected.”

We know technology is one of the biggest drivers of loneliness, but so too is our reduced ability to be linked in to in-person communities.

“Everyone is behind a screen for a large portion of the day,” Rachel said.

“And [the way] modern society runs is very individualistic.

“We don’t have that community vibe like we used to.”

Rather than rejecting technology altogether, Rachel’s approach is to reshape it.

“I took a step back and said, ‘how can we embrace technology because it’s where the world is going’, but use it in a much more positive way?” Rachel said.

That vision led to Connect by Tribal, a values-based friendship app that “matches” friends based on those values to encourage deeper and more lasting connections.

“We can have really different personalities, but if we’ve got that core aligned value, that’s the key,” Rachel said.

The app’s designed to help those friendships to translate into face-to-face spaces through its “community circles”.

“The [community circles] is a group chat feature where you can connect with users based on aligned interest or groups,” Rachel said.

“If you’re new to town, new parent, a pet lover, a foodie, you can connect and chat about that interest topic in particular.

“So it goes beyond just one-on-one conversations.”

Rachel hope for Australian’s feeling isolated is that her platform will provide safe, meaningful ways for people to find friendship and belonging.

“Swiping on a photo for a friend just didn’t sit well with me,” Rachel said.

“It doesn’t matter what our friends look like. True friendship is about personality and aligned interests.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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While there’s no confirmed mass breach of Gmail itself, Australians should still be alert.

Media reports have flagged a huge trove of stolen credentials – according to one estimate, more than 183 million email passwords (including “tens of millions” tied to Gmail addresses) were exposed in a malware-driven credential dump.

Cyber-criminals use exposed credentials for account take-over, identity theft, phishing, and to target older family members who may have simpler or reused passwords

What’s Happened

The New York Post reported that Australian security researcher Troy Hunt flagged a dataset built from infostealer malware: credentials such as usernames, passwords and website addresses siphoned from infected devices, not from a direct hack of Google or Gmail.

Earlier this year researchers also uncovered a massive leak of 16 billion login credentials (across many services including Google, Apple and Facebook) compiled from multiple smaller incidents or malware infections.

Google’s Official Statement

“Gmail’s protections are strong and effective, and claims of a major Gmail security warning are false,” the statement reads.

“We want to reassure our users that Gmail’s protections are strong and effective. Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false.

“While it’s always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users.

“Security is such an important item for all companies, all customers, all users – we take this work incredibly seriously. Our teams invest heavily, innovate constantly, and communicate clearly about the risks and protections we have in place. It’s crucial that conversation in this space is accurate and factual.

“As best practices for additional protection, we encourage users to use a secure password alternative like Passkeys, and to follow these best practices to spot and report phishing attacks.”

What You Should Do Right Now

Here’s a checklist you can follow – as well as help parents or grandparents follow.

1. Check if your email has been exposed

Go to the free service Have I Been Pwned and enter your Gmail and other email addresses. It will show if they have appeared in known leaks.

2. Change and strengthen your passwords

• Use a unique password for your Gmail account (and all major services). Never reuse it elsewhere.
• Make it long, include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols.
• Consider a trusted password manager if you struggle to remember.

3. Enable two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication (2FA/MFA)

This adds a second step (code, device prompt or security key) when logging in. Many reports show credentials stolen from device malware still allow access unless 2FA is turned on.

4. Update recovery details and review account access

Check that your recovery email and phone number are current. In Gmail go to Security – Your devices & recent activity. Look for anything unfamiliar.

5. Be alert to phishing and vishing (voice-phishing)

Criminals are now using data (even basic business or contact data) to craft realistic scams: phone calls impersonating tech support, spoofed numbers, fake “account breach” alerts. Google warns it will not phone you out of the blue to ask for your password.

Helping Older Family Members

• Sit with them and check their account exposure together using Have I Been Pwned.
• Go through their password list (or password manager) and identify if they’ve reused passwords or kept simple ones like “123456”.
• Show them how to enable 2FA on their Gmail/Apple/other major accounts.
• Warn them of the “I’m calling from tech support” trick – tell them never to give passwords or codes to anyone who rings claiming to be from Google/Apple/your bank.
• Remove old apps they no longer use and ensure their device software (phone, tablet, computer) is up to date with security patches.

Think of your digital identity like your home front door key

Even though Google says there’s no broad Gmail breach, the credential-dump risk is very real for Australians. If your email or password turns up in a database, or insecure habits are in play (weak/reused passwords, no 2FA), you’re exposed. Think of your digital identity like a front door key: strong, unique keys plus a dead-bolt (2FA) make all the difference.

Stay safe online.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed by the Hope 103.2 Digital team.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2

Feature image: Canva

Since the dawn of time, humans have told stories – painted on cave walls, passed down around campfires, written in books, performed on stage, brought to life on film, and now shared instantly through our screens. But why do we tell stories?

Because stories connect us. They are the threads that weave together meaning, memory, and shared experience. They make ideas stick, bring data to life, and inspire action.

Storytelling transforms how we connect with audiences, whether they’re clients, colleagues, or communities. In the digital era, where attention spans are short and information is everywhere, the ability to tell a story well has never been more important.

Why Stories Matter

Stories are one of the most powerful tools we have as humans, because our brains are wired for narrative. They don’t just inform us, they move us. When you hear a story, your brain releases chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and cortisol, which help you feel engaged, connected, and emotionally invested.

Stories connect us and stick in our minds more than just facts alone. Why? Because stories create context. They answer the question, why does this matter?

In business, this means a spreadsheet of numbers is only half the picture. When you weave those numbers into a story, showing the people behind the data, the challenges they face, the changes over time, you turn statistics into meaning. And meaning inspires action.

The Ingredients of a Great Story

Great storytelling doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with knowing your audience – understanding what they care about, what challenges they face, and what opportunities inspire them. When you know your audience, you can choose stories that connect on an emotional and practical level.

From there, structure matters. Stories have a natural rhythm: a beginning that sets the scene, a middle where tension or conflict emerges, and an ending that brings resolution or insight. Without that arc, stories can feel flat or incomplete.

Contrast is another powerful device – showing before and after, problem and solution, or old versus new ways of doing things. Contrast creates stakes, which keeps people interested.

And when it comes to storytelling in business, blend data and narrative. Data gives credibility; stories give heart. Together, they’re more powerful than either alone. And in the digital age, visual storytelling plays an important role too – using imagery, infographics, and metaphor to make abstract ideas tangible.

Finally, delivery matters. The way you pause, change your tone, or emphasise key phrases can turn a good story into a memorable one.

Storytelling in a Digital Age

Technology has changed how stories are shared, but not why they matter. We live in an era where attention spans are shorter, content is consumed on the go, and competition for attention is fierce. In this environment, stories cut through the noise because they engage both head and heart.

Digital platforms also give us new tools to tell stories – from immersive videos and interactive infographics to podcasts and live streaming. But it’s worth remembering: no amount of technology can save a story that doesn’t have a clear message or emotional pull. The fundamentals matter as much as ever.

When Crafting a Digital Story, Think About:

Format: Will this work best as a video, a carousel, an infographic, or audio?

Length: Can I capture attention quickly and keep the pace engaging?

Visuals: Does the imagery add meaning or emotion?

Interactivity: Can I invite the audience to comment, vote, or share their own experience?

Why this Matters for Leaders and Teams

Whether you’re leading a team, pitching to clients, or communicating research findings, storytelling is an essential skill. Leaders who tell stories create shared understanding, inspire trust, and make their vision tangible.

For teams, stories help people see how their work fits into a bigger picture. They can foster a sense of purpose and belonging, which is especially important in hybrid or remote workplaces where connection can feel harder to build.

And when it comes to data storytelling – the world we spend much of our time in – the ability to frame numbers in a way that resonates is what turns insights into impact.

This means that storytelling isn’t just a nice-to-have skill; it’s a competitive advantage. In a digital era saturated with information, the voices that stand out are those that connect emotionally, communicate clearly, and leave a lasting impression.

Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.

About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.

Feature image: Canva

Think back a decade. Your shelves were likely lined with DVDs, your car’s glovebox full of CDs, and buying software meant purchasing a physical box with a disc inside. Today, that world feels distant.

In its place is a new ecosystem built not on one-off purchases, but on ongoing access. From the entertainment we stream (Netflix, Spotify, Audible) and the news we read, we’ve seen the rise in the subscription economy, and it represents one of the most significant shifts in consumer behaviour and business strategy in the 21st century. In 2008, Spotify didn’t exist. Fast forward to 2025 and there are 696 million monthly active users.

This is more than a trend – it’s a fundamental change in the relationship between a provider and a consumer. The traditional, transactional model of selling a product has been replaced by a relational model built on ongoing value, and convenience. There has, however, been a shift in the sense of what ownership means. While consumers have unlimited access, they own less.

Understanding consumer sentiment behind this reveals insights on what modern consumers value – flexibility over commitment, experiences over possessions, and seamless integration into their lives.

Divided sentiment across generations

As digital natives, younger generations are the most enthusiastic adopters of subscription services. Almost half of Gen Z (48%) say they love or like subscriptions, compared to just 12% of Baby Boomers. Yet despite being less enthusiastic, older generations are still active users. More than four in five Gen X (83%) and two in three Baby Boomers (66%) hold at least one subscription. In contrast, subscriptions are near-universal among younger cohorts, with almost all of Gen Z (99%) and the vast majority of Gen Y (85%) signed up to at least one.

What are people subscribing to?

The most common subscription service to use across the generations is video streaming, followed by audio streaming. Gaming services are also common among Gen Z, Gen Y and Gen X, however publications are the next most popular service for Baby Boomers.

What drives the use of subscription services?

Almost half of Australians (45%) choose subscriptions for their convenience. Similarly, more than half of Australians who use subscriptions (54%) strongly or somewhat agree that subscriptions save them time and effort. The decision is also influenced by value for money and access to exclusive content.

Organisations that succeed in the subscription economy understand a key tension: consumers want the convenience of subscriptions but also fear being trapped. While younger generations are more likely to subscribe, they also desire agency, customisation, and personalisation. To build a lasting relationship with these customers, businesses must put them at the centre of their product, providing a constant stream of new content and a clear sense of value that not only justifies the ongoing cost, but empowers them with choice.

Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.

About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.

Feature image: Photo by CardMapr.nl on Unsplash

We all love our smartphones. They keep us connected, entertained, and informed.

But did you know they can also cause surprising injuries? Physio Melanie Mac shares insights on phone injuries.

Dropping Phones on Your Face

It might sound silly, but it’s common. “Sixty percent of 16 to 24-year-olds have dropped their smartphones onto their face while lying down,” Mel reveals. It’s proof that accidents can happen in the most unexpected ways.

The Rise of “Tech Neck”

Constantly looking down at screens affects posture. Mel explains: “The biggest thing that presents at my practice would be neck and shoulders, because people get that slumped forward position.”

Whether it’s the “turtle neck” posture or dipping the chin, both can cause long-term neck and shoulder pain.

Text Claw and Smartphone Pinky

Gripping your phone too tightly can lead to cramping. “If you actually took away the device, it looks like a claw,” Mel says. This condition, called “text claw,” can even develop into tendon issues.

Another injury is “smartphone pinky.” Mel explains: “You can actually get a dent in your little finger from holding your phone for too long.”

More Than Just Muscle Strain

The injuries don’t stop at the hands and neck. Overuse of phones is linked to eye strain, carpal tunnel, and even hearing loss from blasting music through earbuds. Mel also warns: “There’s been a 40% increase in the chance of getting haemorrhoids if you use your phone on the toilet.”

Simple Fixes for Everyday Use

The good news? Awareness helps. Mel recommends:

• Hold your phone at eye level.
• Use stands or cradles to avoid slumping.
• Take breaks every 20 minutes.
• Switch posture regularly.
• Use voice commands or loudspeaker when possible.

Awareness Is Key

Smartphones are here to stay, but so are the risks. Mel reminds us: “Awareness is the starting point. Pay attention to your posture and make small adjustments.”

So next time you reach for your phone, think twice about how you’re holding it you might just save yourself some pain.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Imagine walking on the beach, your dog by your side. A message flashes gently in your eyeglasses: “Can you organise the party?” 

With a simple voice command, your smart glasses fetch quotes, make bookings, and let you carry on, hands-free and uninterrupted. This isn’t science fiction, it’s the future of wearable AI, according to futurologist, Professor Rocky Scopelliti.

Beyond the Phone in Your Pocket

According to Rocky, AI-powered glasses could shift how we interact with technology. “Instead of walking around a conference maze, the glasses pinpointed exactly where I wanted to go,” he said.

These devices aren’t just about convenience. They have the potential to replace smartphones, making information available in real-time, directly in your field of vision. Think: language translation on the go, price comparisons in the supermarket, or directions in unfamiliar airports.

Hands-Free Help for All

Smart glasses also have huge potential to assist vulnerable groups. “For the elderly, they can break complex tasks into simpler steps. For people with disabilities, they can project essential information into view,” Rocky explained.

Kids could grow up with smart glasses the same way millennials grew up with smartphones. “Imagine trying on a shirt virtually, or reading recipes while kneading dough. It changes how we live,” Rocky said.

The Privacy Dilemma

But with new tech comes new challenges. Rocky warns, “It’s important to know whether you’re being filmed. Some brands include a light indicator, but most people won’t know what that means.”

There’s also the issue of being constantly connected. If glasses are always on, when do we switch off?

And what about data? “These glasses will collect far more personal data than phones. Companies need to be transparent and ethical in how they use it,” said Rocky.

Are We Ready?

Rocky believes now is the time to ask hard questions. “Let’s not wait for problems to arise, like we did with mobile phones. We need rules for privacy, health, and safety before these become mainstream.”

He added, “We’re talking about glasses now, but eventually, these might become contact lenses. That’s a whole new level of integration.”

Why It’s Worth Getting Excited

Despite the concerns, Rocky sees immense benefits. He summed it up in three key points:

• Invisible Information – “Alerts, directions, and messages will subtly appear when needed, without pulling out a device.”
• Personalised Assistant – “Glance at a plant, and your glasses could tell you its name and care needs.”
• Intuitive Control – “We’ll interact with our digital world by speaking or simply looking.”

As Rocky put it, “We’re right at the beginning of the adoption curve. The glasses will evolve, and so will we.”

AI glasses may soon become as essential as smartphones. But their development must be matched with foresight. Privacy, safety, and ethical questions must guide the technology, not follow it.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

The pace of change in artificial intelligence is breathtaking. In just a few short years, AI has shifted from a novelty to an invisible layer in our daily lives.

From workplace emails and meeting notes to wedding vows and condolence messages, the technology is no longer just an office tool – it is shaping how we communicate, connect and even think.

The drivers of this shift are clear: rapid tech innovation, a generation raised on digital tools, and social norms bending around new possibilities. But there is an urgency here. As AI moves from helping us to think to doing the thinking for us, leaders and professionals need to ask a confronting question: what happens to our own cognitive muscles if we stop using them?

Here are 5 trends or implications to consider:

1. Outsourcing Thought: The Rise of ‘Digital Amnesia’

One of the most striking findings comes from a recent MIT study. Students using AI tools to draft essays showed a 47 per cent drop in active brain engagement compared to those writing unaided. Even more concerning, 83 per cent of AI users couldn’t remember what they had written just days later, versus only 10 per cent of students who had done the work themselves. Teachers are noticing it too. A Grade 10 English teacher in Australia observed that students relying on AI for drafts struggled to explain their arguments in class – they had outsourced the thinking, and it showed.

This isn’t limited to schools. Many professionals are letting AI write their emails, summarise meetings and even make decisions. The danger isn’t just the quality of the output, but what is happening in our heads. When we hand over the hard work of thinking, memory and reasoning to a machine, we become passive passengers in our own thought process. Like any skill, cognition is use it or lose it.

2. Homogenised Voices: When Everything Starts to Sound the Same

If you have noticed that social posts, emails and even dating profiles are starting to sound eerily similar, you are not imagining things. When millions of people use the same tools trained on the same datasets, originality gets sanded down.

AI-generated text is often competent, even elegant, but it lacks the quirks and rough edges that make human communication feel real. A University of Arizona study found that when people were told a “thoughtful” message from a friend was AI-written, they felt less connected to the sender even if the words were perfect. In an age where connection is currency, this matters.

The same risk exists in workplaces. If every presentation, report and client email starts to carry the same AI polish, it becomes harder to stand out or build trust. Ironically, in a world filled with machine-generated content, the messy fingerprints of a real human voice become a competitive advantage.

3. The Loneliness Loop: AI Companions and Emotional Skills

Seventy-two per cent of teens now use AI for companionship. Apps like Replika, with over 30 million users, offer AI “friends” and even romantic partners. On the surface, it seems harmless – a way to fill the loneliness gap so many young people report. But there is a hidden cost.

Real relationships are hard. They involve compromise, patience, missteps and making up. They require us to grow empathy, negotiation skills and emotional resilience. AI companions offer connection without any of that effort. They never argue, never need forgiveness, never ask for anything in return. They are there to serve you and you alone.

If human relationships are the training ground for emotional intelligence, what happens when a generation learns connection through algorithms that demand nothing of them? For workplaces, this could mean employees entering the workforce with technical brilliance but underdeveloped interpersonal muscles. The skills leaders prize (collaboration, empathy, conflict resolution etc) are forged in the friction of real human interaction.

4. The Education Gap: AI Literacy as a New Divide

Schools are in the middle of a live experiment. Some are embracing AI as a learning tool. Others are banning it entirely, seeing any use as cheating. But even in schools with strict bans, students are finding workarounds. Tools like Quillbot let them rewrite AI-generated content to avoid detection, creating a game of cat and mouse.

The real danger isn’t just plagiarism. It is the widening gap between students who learn how to use AI well and those who don’t. AI literacy is fast becoming as essential as reading and writing. At the same time, those who become over-reliant on AI risk losing the ability to think critically without it.

This divide won’t just shape classrooms – it will flow into workplaces. Organisations will face a new split: employees who can think with AI as a partner, and those who have been shaped by it into passive operators. It is a new kind of literacy gap, and it is opening fast.

5. Communication on Autopilot: When AI Speaks for Us

By next year, forecasts suggest more than 80 per cent of our everyday communication will be AI-assisted. Google’s Gemini platform has already rolled out a feature where the AI will call local businesses on your behalf to book appointments, gather prices and report back. It is convenient and, for many of us, a relief. But every time we hand over a conversation, we lose a little of the social skill it takes to navigate it ourselves.

This is a subtle erosion that mirrors what we have seen with other technologies. Spend years driving a car with cameras and sensors, and you realise how rusty your parking skills are the moment you switch to a basic hire car. Our ability to persuade, negotiate and build rapport is built on hundreds of small, low-stakes interactions. Automate too many of them and those muscles weaken.

AI taking over the grunt work of communication isn’t all bad. It can remove friction, save time and smooth awkward exchanges. But when it handles too much on our behalf, we risk outsourcing not just what we say, but the very human process of learning how to say it.

AI is not the enemy. Used well, it can free us to focus on the parts of work and life that require uniquely human intelligence – creativity, problem-solving, emotional connection. But the line between augmentation and abdication is thin.

The trends are clear: outsourcing thought leads to digital amnesia, homogenised voices dull connection, AI companions risk emotional skill-building, the education gap looms and communication on autopilot weakens our social muscles.

For leaders and professionals, the lesson is simple but urgent. Use AI as a tool, not a crutch. Keep your brain, your voice and your relationships actively engaged. In a world where 80 per cent of communication may soon be machine-assisted, the most valuable thing you can offer is the 20 per cent that is still unmistakably human.

Article supplied with thanks to Michael McQueen.

About the Author: Michael is a trends forecaster, business strategist and award-winning conference speaker. His most recent book Mindstuck explores the psychology of stubbornness and how to change minds – including your own.

Feature image: Canva

I recently had some time off work. One of the best things about it was not being chained to my phone for a week. I finished work, went on leave, and turned all my notifications off.

I used my phone only to pay for things and take photos. It was glorious. By the end of the week, I didn’t even know where my phone was in the house. I was completely detoxed!

Constantly Connected but Still Lonely 

We live in a constantly connected world. Sometimes, our phones, particularly social media, can be tempting as a means to escape from life. I am sure many of us can relate to that feeling of scrolling reels, just for a few minutes, and before you know it, you are lost in the scroll hole. Mindless scrolling indicates that I need some time away from my phone. Other signs are picking up the phone while I am watching TV, and continually reaching for my phone as soon as my hands are empty. Some of the other indicators are hearing my phone buzz and feeling anxious or driven to get to it, or finding that social media generally is taking me down a negative path.

So much of our daily lives are stored in our phones now; we have to get a code for two-step verification, follow up on an email, check a notification, and even do our banking. The problem is that between our socials and all the other functions on our phones, we can be almost constantly tethered to our devices. So then, how do we detox?

Set Goals

Think about the issues that bother you with your phone, and start by setting some goals. Do you want to stop multitasking? Perhaps you want to go 48 hours without devices. Is it cutting down your social media time that appeals to you? Do you want to go a whole day without the phone/TV? Whatever it is, use the SMART framework for goal setting and write it down. Make some small, realistic, achievable goals and work towards them.

Turn Off Notifications 

One day a week, I set the do-not-disturb function on my phone. I have it set up so that family can come through, but other than that, I don’t get any notifications. It is incredibly freeing not to be constantly distracted. It helps with concentration, stops me from multitasking, and enables me to focus on my day. Dr Mark Williams, a professor of cognitive neuroscience, has found that phone notifications increase our stress levels. When we hear the sound or feel the phone vibrate, our brain interprets it as something demanding immediate attention. Notifications also trigger a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that can create a sense of anticipation and addiction, which can lead to compulsive phone checking. This is problematic in many ways, but if your constant phone checking is getting in the way of work, study, or everyday family life, try a day without notifications.

Declutter Your Social Media

You are in control of your social media. We end up following accounts for different reasons. Sometimes, those accounts aren’t life-giving. If you are finding that social media leaves you with a sense of anxiety and disquiet, look at who you follow. Do you need to do some unfollowing? I try to curate my social media accounts to be a place of rest. I follow accounts that post meaningful and beneficial content. If I come across accounts I have followed that don’t fit that criteria, I unfollow them. I post things that edify and encourage. I try to create a restful space on my account for others to follow.

You might also find that you follow accounts that lead you to make unfavourable comparisons between your life and what you wish you had. The account content may be good, but it may not be healthy for you. Making healthy choices about your social media spaces is a good start to reducing time spent on social media.

Leave your Phone in Another Room 

Working? Studying? Socialising? Try leaving your phone in another room or, at the very least, turning it upside down. When I need to study, I use it to access the Uni site, and then it sits upside down, away from me. Even though we tell ourselves that we can multitask without effect, research has shown that it can reduce our comprehension and attention. If you are socialising, try leaving your phone in your bag or another room. In a world full of digital distraction, the person right in front of you is the real connection. And let’s be honest—no matter how hard we try to multitask, people can tell when our attention isn’t fully with them.

Our phones and digital devices can be helpful for a range of things, from connecting with other people to organising our lives. They can also become an issue that leads to a variety of problems, including lack of concentration, problems with completing things, anxiety, and an inability to properly connect with the people that we are with. If you find that your phone is an issue, try a few of the tips suggested in this article and let us know you go!

Article supplied with thanks to Life FM in Adelaide.

Feature image: Canva

About the author: Lorrene McClymont is a writer and photographer who lives in the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia. You can connect with her on Instagram.

We live in an age where it’s easier than ever to stay “connected.” With just a few taps, we can message a friend, join a Zoom meeting, or scroll through updates from hundreds of people. And yet, more and more people report feeling lonely, unseen, and emotionally distant.

It’s the paradox of our time: We are hyperconnected, and yet deeply disconnected. The very tools designed to bring us closer can quietly pull us apart.

Dr. Sherry Turkle, an MIT sociologist and author of Alone Together, puts it bluntly: “We expect more from technology and less from each other.”

And she’s right. After decades of research, Turkle has uncovered a hard truth: the more we depend on technology to stay connected, the more our relationships lose their texture. They become flatter. Less spontaneous. Less messy. Less human.

When real connection feels too awkward, too vulnerable, or just too much, we often settle for a safer substitute, a quick text, a like, a scroll. It’s easy. It feels low-risk. But over time, these digital stand-ins strip away the depth and colour of real-life connection.

As she says, “Technology promises connection, but it often delivers just the illusion of companionship.”

We weren’t made for illusions. We were made for presence.

What Social Psychology Tells Us

Human beings are wired for connection. We thrive on eye contact, gentle tones, shared laughter, and being physically present with each other. These little relational cues help our brains regulate stress, build empathy, and feel safe. They’re not extras—they’re essential.

But the shortcuts that technology offers can quietly bypass these vital signals. Here’s how:

Phubbing (phone + snubbing): Glancing at your phone during a conversation, even for a second, has been shown to reduce emotional closeness and relationship satisfaction. It sends a quiet message: something else is more important than you right now.

Technoference: When phones interrupt our moments, meals, conversations, quality time, it doesn’t just distract us. It disconnects us. Research links this to more conflict, lower satisfaction, and less emotional attunement between partners.

Parasocial relationships: Following influencers, celebrities, or even online therapists can feel like connection. But it’s one-sided. We know them, but they don’t know us. And over time, that can quietly fuel comparison and loneliness.

In fact, a study from the University of Essex found that simply having a phone visible on the table, not even being used, was enough to make people feel less connected during a conversation.

Here’s the truth: We don’t need more content. We need more presence. More heads lifted. Eyes meeting. Hearts tuning in. Because the most meaningful moments in life? They don’t happen through a screen. They happen when we’re fully here.

Why This Matters for Mental Health

Psychologists have known this for years: social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of poor mental health.

But let’s be clear, loneliness isn’t just being alone. It’s not feeling emotionally connected, even when people are around.

And in a world where screen-time is replacing face-time, we’re seeing the effects: Anxiety and depression are on the rise, especially among teens and young adults, who are often the most digitally connected, but emotionally starved. Empathy is declining, as we miss the facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice that help us truly understand each other. Emotional burnout is growing, because our brains are constantly stimulated by content but not soothed by real connection.

One quote puts it perfectly: “Loneliness is not the absence of people. It’s the absence of connection.”

So maybe what we really need isn’t another message, scroll, or notification. Maybe what we need is to look up. Reach out. And be fully present with the people right in front of us.

So, what can you do?

This isn’t about ditching technology. It’s about using it more mindfully, so it serves our relationships, rather than replaces them. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Be Where Your Feet Are

When you’re with someone, be with them. Make eye contact. Put the phone away. Listen with your whole self. These small moments build safety and trust.

2. Create Tech-Free Zones

Designate parts of your day or home as device-free—like the dinner table, bedtime, or the first hour after waking. Protecting these moments fosters more meaningful interaction.

3. Go Deep, Not Wide

Instead of trying to “keep up” with everyone online, invest in a few core relationships. Depth is more healing than breadth.

4. Ask Real Questions

Move beyond “how’s it going?” Ask things like, What’s been weighing on you lately? What’s brought you joy this week? Real questions open the door to real connection.

5. Practise Digital Discernment

Curate your feed intentionally. Notice which accounts leave you feeling anxious, inadequate, or numb, and unfollow freely. Seek out content that uplifts but doesn’t replace real-world support.

There’s no app that can replace being known. No amount of likes that will satisfy the longing to be seen. And no filter that can offer the safety of a friend who listens with compassion.

Technology isn’t the enemy. But when it becomes the main way we connect, it can quietly crowd out the very thing we need most, true, relational presence.

About the Author: Sabrina is a pastor and a psychologist who is dedicated to helping people experience wholeness and growth. Passionate about building healthy families, she spends her days raising kids, supporting clients, and creating resources that inspire freedom and hope.

Article supplied with thanks to Sabrina Peters.

Feature image: Canva