DOcurious: Real World Experiences In A Digital Culture

In the early 1990's the internet was just coming online, smart phones were a brand new novelty, and our digital lives were decades from becoming an overwhelming feature of everyday life. Today, we are immersed, almost 24/7, in a digital culture that has reshaped every waking hour, and how we interact, or don't interact, with one another, and the physical  world beyond our screens. While life may seem more connected today, it also comes with some hefty costs that newer generations may not even recognize as abnormal, and older generations may no longer know how to address.

In the classic book, 'Technopoly: the Surrender of Culture To Technology' by Neil Postman, the author wrote:

“Stated in the most dramatic terms, the accusation can be made that the uncontrolled growth of technology destroys the vital sources of our humanity. It creates a culture without a moral foundation. It undermines certain mental processes and social relations that make human life worth living. Technology, in sum, is both friend and enemy.”

Neil Postman, who penned 'Technopoly', wrote these words right on the cusp of the world wide web and the steady explosion of smart devices. Today, despite the many blessings it brings, this technological shift is pushing us (and especially out youth) into some troubled digital waters:

• Media and device addiction
• Anxiety, depression, and mental health issues
• Rising social isolation and loneliness

If we are going to adapt to these challenges we are going to have to rethink our relationship with the digital culture that has flooded our lives - and we're going to have to help younger generations find a more balanced approach in the everyday use of tech. 

One of the innovative organizations that is helping families and communities find a digital equilibrium is DOcurious. Their platform sounds the call for real world experiences and human connection - a marketplace of projects and suggestions for a more full, digitally balanced life.  DOcurious is on a mission to:

"...create the world's first marketplace for goal-oriented, challenging, real-life experiences. A place where you can discover your next adventure, connect with like-minded people, and build a life you're genuinely proud of."

Their approach focuses on real community, real growth, and real challenges:

"...life's greatest treasures are found beyond the screen. Our approach is rooted in decades of positive psychology research. Completing goal-oriented challenges gives DOers (participants) three things essential to thriving: a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of control, and meaningful connections with others...

DOers select from a wide range of challenges in our portal, all sourced from trusted challenge providers. Schools and other organizations can also choose challenges that align with their curricula and student-growth goals, partnering with us to support and manage student participation...

The result? Behavioral change that lasts. A community doing things they never thought possible. Acquiring new skills that last a lifetime. We're building a global movement where people feel more pride in what they've done than in how many likes they received."

They have challenges for everyone: pottery, baking, hiking, archery, and more! As a believer in DOcurious' mission, Emperor Clock Co. and Hermle, have partnered with DOCurious to offer several clock kit challenges that are perfect in a school, group, or family setting (see the links below). 

See our Clock Kit Challenges here:

• Mantel Clock Kit Challenge
• St. John's Grandfather Clock Kit Challenge
• Hartford Wall Clock Kit Challenge
• Nottingham Grandfather Clock Kit Challenge
• Hopewell Wall Clock Kit Challenge

Join DOcurious today to help you, and your young people, live a more adventurous life, that is digitally balanced and full of real connection.