Documentary Review: “Disconnect Me”- A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Our Digital Dependency

In the age of smartphones and social media, “Disconnect Me,” a documentary film written, produced, and directed by Alex Lykos, presents a compelling narrative centred around one man’s journey to disconnect from his smartphone for a full 30 days. 

Through the eyes of Lykos himself, the film dives deep into the societal impacts of technology addiction while providing valuable insights into our increasingly digital-dependent lives.

At the heart of the film is Lykos‘ challenge to disconnect from his smartphone, laptop, and tablet, locked away in a safe for the duration of the experiment. As a self-proclaimed smartphone addict, Lykos openly acknowledges his struggles with technology dependency, including difficulties sleeping and heightened anxiety triggered by his constant connectivity.

From navigating with printed maps to grappling with the fear of missing out on important calls or emails, Lykos‘ journey serves as a relatable exploration of the challenges of living without constant digital stimulation.

Through humorous interactions with his father and candid reflections on his anxieties, Lykos humanizes the broader issue of technology addiction, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationships with their devices.

“Disconnect Me” goes beyond personal anecdotes to examine the broader societal implications of technology dependency. Through interviews with experts and individuals alike, the film explores the pervasive effects of smartphone addiction, from “phubbing”, that is getting snubbed by your partner because of their attention to their phones.

As the film unfolds, a clear notion emerges: smartphones represent the initial phase in humanity’s journey toward cyborg integration, a point emphasized emphatically by one of the persons featured in the documentary. Also, it delves into the advancement of Artificial Intelligence and its perceived threat to humanity. Viewers are prompted to consider alarming statistics, revealing that surveys indicate AI poses a 1 in 10 chance of endangering the world, compared to climate change’s 1 in 1000 chance.

“Disconnect Me” ingeniously engages viewers by incorporating interactive elements into the film. Throughout various segments, the audience is encouraged to participate in online polls by scanning onscreen QR codes during brief intermissions, enhancing their involvement and attentiveness to the documentary.

While the film effectively highlights the dangers of technology addiction, particularly in the context of advancing artificial intelligence, it occasionally falls into repetition, particularly as Lykos’ experiment progresses. However, Lykos‘ decision to reintroduce an old flip phone midway through the experiment adds an interesting twist, highlighting the complexities of navigating a digitally connected world.

Set against the backdrop of Australia’s stunning landscapes, “Disconnect Me” also serves as a visual ode to the country, showcasing its beauty while underscoring the need for balance in our relationship with technology. Ultimately, the film delivers its message with gentle humour and warmth, serving as a timely reminder of the double-edged sword of technological advancement.

In conclusion, “Disconnect Me” offers a thought-provoking exploration of our dependence on technology, blending personal narrative with broader societal analysis. 

While it occasionally falters in pacing, its message remains poignant and relevant. However, as it progresses, it begins to feel repetitive, especially once the central concept becomes evident.

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, “Disconnect Me” serves as a timely wake-up call to reassess our relationship with technology and reclaim our digital autonomy.

I will rate this documentary  3 out of 5 stars.