The Pros of Disconnecting From Your Tech

For most members of the connected generation, taking a hiatus from the Internet sounds like a nightmare, but not to Baratunde Thurston.

The CEO of Cultivated Wit took a 25 day digital break from his computer and phone, which later inspired him to use his technology skills for real life social good that goes beyond the screen. Cultivated Wit aims to use humor and storytelling at actual live events to crowd source creativity and positive change.

"How can we claim and even and do good if we are not substantially connected to the people around us?" asked Thurston at a Social Good Summit panel on Tuesday.

See also: How to Follow Social Good Summit Online

Two years ago, Megan Khashner answered exactly that question by establishing the Chicago based start-up Benevolent, which provides a local network where people can be connected and donate directly to specific people in need. Individual recipients include someone asking for financial help for car trouble or a laptop for educational and work purposes. So far, Benevolent has helped 130 people.

"We are living more economically divided than ever in history. We have an opportunity to reach back and connect," Khashner said at the panel.

Jacob Park, the principal sustainability advisor at the Forum for the Future, discussed five core technology tips, including focus, creativity, keeping, connectivity and aiming high. From developing mobile products that can be "kept" without upgrades to maintaining technological creativity and not being distracted by Facebook, Park emphasized the need for more sustainable technology use.

"How can we use technology in all it's different manifestations to solve complex social issues? One of the most incredible things about this summit is the many things that people are actually doing to solve problems," said Park.

About Social Good Summit

The Social Good Summit is where big ideas meet new media to create innovative solutions and is brought to you by Mashable, The 92nd Street Y, The United Nations Foundation, The United Nations Development Programme, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Ericsson. Held during U.N. Week, the Social Good Summit unites a dynamic community of global leaders to discuss a big idea: the power of innovative thinking and technology to solve our greatest challenges.

Date: Sept. 22 through Sept. 24
Time: 12 to 6 p.m. each day
Location: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y.
Tickets are sold-out, but tune into the Livestream.

About Ericsson

BONUS: 10 Moving Quotes From Social Good Summit

1. 

   1. Al Gore, Former Vice President

   "It's absolutely absurd to treat the sky as if it were an open sewer."

2. 

   2. Elba Graciela Velasquez, Let Girls Lead

   "The future of 2030 depends on our decision to invest in adolescent girls."

3. 

   3. Jack Andraka, High School Student and Cancer Researcher

   "Science shouldn't be a luxury, knowledge should not be a commodity."

4. 

   4. Joseph Romm, Founding Editor, ClimateProgress.org

   "One man with courage is a majority, each one of you can be a majority of one."

5. 

   5. Malala Yousafzai, Education Advocate

   "The only thing that happened when I got shot was that weakness, fear and hopelessness died."

6. 

   6. Maria Ressa, CEO and Founder of Rappler.com

   "You move things forward just by talking about them."

7. 

   7. Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

   "It's not renewable energy, it's rational energy."

8. 

   8. Shiza Shahid, Founder and Executive Director of the Malala Fund

   "Education isn't simply about literacy, it's about giving girls back their power."

9. 

   9. Timothy E Wirth, Vice Chairman of the U.N. Foundation

   "Change comes from the inside out."

10. 

    10. Ziaddin Yousafzai, Father of Malala

    "In most parts of the world, when a girl is born, her wings are clipped. She is not able to fly."

Image: Mashable, Casey Kelbaugh