S15 E2: How to Become an Opt-Out Family

Ever wondered what happens when a social media influencer with a million followers swaps the digital spotlight for a tech-minimal lifestyle? This episode features Erin Lochner, the inspiring powerhouse behind "The Opt-Out Family." Erin takes us on a journey from her high-profile career in social media to her decision to embrace a technology-minimal lifestyle. We delve into her new book, "The Opt-Out Family," and discuss how she and her family choose to engage more meaningfully with the world around them, rather than through screens. Erin's insightful and empowering narrative offers a refreshing view on how conscious choices about technology can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.We explore the intentional decision-making that comes with living a low-tech lifestyle, especially in a family setting. From avoiding smartphones for children to steering clear of facial recognition apps, Erin shares the micro-decisions that help maintain a balanced life. The conversation also highlights the joy and opportunities that arise from offline interactions and the preference for face-to-face connections. Erin's experiences provide a compelling case for the benefits of a tech-minimal environment that fosters direct human engagement and thoughtful problem-solving. We discuss the invaluable lessons of healthy challenges and fostering independence in children, emphasizing the importance of real-world experiences over digital consumption. Erin's perspective on parenting, managing overstimulation, and reclaiming our intuition from technology offers practical strategies for anyone looking to create a more intentional and enriching lifestyle.Podcast Episode HighlightsErin's background and how they became an opt-out familyHow some algorithms that are very harmful to usWhat Erin's family looks like now as a low-tech familyAdjustments and resistance to becoming a low-tech familyThe dangers of completely trusting the "authority" of the internetCreative ways to stop using the phone so muchThe concept of strewing...Boredom and over-stimulationTalking about hormesisThe argument about it being a privilege to opt out of technologyEncouragement if you also want to opt outResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Erin Loechner here: https://www.optoutfamily.com/Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.comUse code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor systemOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!