The start of a new year often has many thinking of possible resolutions to apply throughout the new year. Here are twelve digital resolution ideas to try if you want to shake up your digital routine! Feel free to implement one, or try a different one each month for the whole year!
1. Digital Cleanup: Organize those files on your computer, delete unnecessary copies of photos, or anything you think of that makes you cringe from some organized chaos in your digital life. Challenge idea: Set aside some time (like 5 minutes) each day or week to get your digital life organized!
2. Update Passwords: Create different passwords for any necessary accounts to ensure security. Challenge idea: Make one password a week, until all passwords have been changed.
3. Photo Highlight Reel: Have a bunch of photos on your phone, computer, or any other device? Print out a couple of your favorite photos and showcase them throughout your living space. Challenge idea: Print out a favorite photo to share with a loved one.
4. Back Up for a Rainy Day: Back up those photos, files, etc. with a jump drive and/or Cloud. Challenge idea: Set one day a month to back up certain items for a chosen amount of time, such as an hour.
5. Update to Elevate: Perform and update you have been putting off, but need in your digital life. Challenge idea: Complete an update once a week, until everything is updated.
6. Learn A New Skill: Learn a new digital skill you have been wanting to try, like graphic design or code. Challenge Idea: Pick a skill that gets you out of your comfort zone, but would make your life easier.
7. Digital Detox: Sometimes taking a break is needed to rejuvenate, including your digital life. Hiking, drawing, or taking a nap are some possible options to prevent a digital overload. Challenge idea: Set aside one hour a week to take a break from the digital bustle of daily life.
8. Bye Doomscrolling: Doomscrolling much? Find ways to gradually decrease doomscrolling. Challenge idea: Reduce doomscrolling 5 minutes each day. Add an additional 5 minutes every following day, until desired time is reached.
9. Reduce Online Spending: Minimize online spending by assigning a day per week for online spending or visiting your favorite website once a month. Challenge idea: Try to buy nothing online for a month!
10. Evaluate Online Subscriptions: Take a look at your online subscriptions and unsubscribe to the one(s) you do not use. Challenge idea: Try not to buy any new subscriptions for a month or more!
11. Teach Digital Skills: Confident with your digital skills? Teach someone who is not as comfortable with technology, such as setting up an email account or new software. Challenge idea: Reach out to a senior center or school to explore volunteer options that utilize your technical skills!
12. Check Out A New Source: Find new online sources to vary your media diet. Challenge idea: Try to find a new source each month for a whole year!
These are some ideas to expand your digital skills. I hope these twelve digital resolutions inspire you to explore more ways to improve your digital life!
Northwest Alliance for Media Literacy 