Protecting the inner spark

By Alex Jordan 31 : 03 : 2015 Seymour+ : Digital Detoxing : JOMO

Paris – It can be difficult prizing people away from their mobiles, but a new exploratory space on Boulevard de Magenta is asking visitors to leave their gadgets behind.

Seymour+ space designed to help people to disconnect
Space aims to help people gain confidence in themselves and communicate better

The work of non-profit-making organisation Seymour Projects, committed to cultivating self-expression and introspective experiences, Seymour+ is designed to give people an opportunity to switch off from technological stimuli. ‘Constant access to digital information has obvious benefits,’ says Seymour Projects founder Melissa Unger. ‘But I feel that this hyper-connectivity also keeps our minds perpetually locked in active thought, stifling the natural ebb and flow of our imaginations. Allowing the mind to relax and wander, to daydream, is vital to both our innate creativity and our positive mental health.’ Visitors are asked to leave their mobile devices in lockers before exploring spaces dedicated to creativity, including the Screening Room, Your Mind Surf Lounge and The Secret Garden, collecting their thoughts and ideas as they go without the compulsion to check their mobiles.

The Big Picture: In our connected world, being always on can be exhausting. New JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) products, services and experiences are showing us the benefits of leaving our mobiles behind and that it’s OK to switch off from social contacts every once in a while.