Author Jenifer Joy Madden Shares Healthy Digital Device Use for the Holidays

Jenifer Joy Madden studies the effects digital devices have on our everyday life. She’s been a health journalist and a digital device educator.

Now, she’s the author of “How to be a Durable Human”.  Madden stopped by our studio to talk about ways to connect without a device during the holiday season.

“We want to take the attention-stealers somewhere else,” said Madden.

Madden suggests putting a gadget basket on your holiday table, so people can put phones away and connect with one another.

“It’s actually a wonderful opportunity to experience family history that grandpa might not be there to tell the stories,” said Madden. “So people have a chance to hear original stories that aren’t recorded and you can’t call them up again.”

Jenifer Joy Madden also suggests the use of a “talking stick” to encourage conversation at holidays.

Madden’s book, “How to be a Durable Human” offers strategies and ideas for balancing the use of technology in life. She encourages families to take the “Durable Family Pledge” to develop healthy habits regarding the use of devices.