Spartans,

Surveys of American cell phone users show that over 90% of us experience some kind of anxiety when we see a “low power warning” on our devices. A 2016 survey by LG said that users felt “overwhelming fear” and that battery anxiety causes “you to live your life on your phone’s terms rather than your own.” Here are some quick tips to help you save power and avoid public USB jacks:

• Bring supplemental power with you. That can be a power bank, a wall charger, or even a backup device.
• Conserve power on long days. If you know you have a long day ahead, consider powering your device all the way off when not in use, engaging airplane mode, or keeping your screen on the dimmest setting possible. Most newer phones also have a battery-saving mode available in their settings.
• Accept the inevitable. Sometimes, we’re caught by surprise with no backup power options. Write down any critical information you may need, such as directions home or the phone numbers for an emergency contact.

And finally, one important tip on what NOT to do:

• Avoid public USB charging ports. While many devices have safeguards against “juice jacking,” many folks are quick to dismiss warnings on their devices while in a battery panic. We live in an area where many people often DO have access to highly valuable information on their laptops and mobile devices, making the rare threat of cyberattack via USB port a plausible reality. Remember to keep a power bank or wall charger of your own in your bag.

Thank you to Jeff Japp, Leon Nguyen, and Andrew Weiglein from the SJSU IT Program Management Office for providing this tip. As always, the SJSU IT Service Desk is here to help by phone at (408) 924-1530 or online.

Thanks,
Bob Lim
Vice President for Information Technology
and CIO at San José State University

Spartans,

Technology is ingrained in our everyday lives – it’s part of how we learn, work, and connect. It’s also important to establish healthy digital habits and set boundaries. According to a survey by reviews.org, in 2023, Americans spend an average of 4 hours, 25 minutes each day on their cell phones. In 2022, Americans checked their phones an average of 344 times a day. This week, I’d like to share some tips to maintain digital wellbeing as we enter the holiday season.

• Put distance between yourself and your device. That can be as simple as putting your device in your backpack or briefcase instead of in your pocket or on your desk. Keep it in your purse or bag when you eat or take a bathroom break.
• Try using a “Bedtime” or “Sleep” Mode. Most newer phones come with a mode that dims the screen, mutes notifications, and changes the display to black & white instead of color. But you don’t have to use this mode only around bedtime. It’s also a great tool to reduce digital distractions any time you want to focus.
• Take regular breaks. When you’re working under a deadline, it can be hard to step away. Try to prioritize yourself, even if it’s for a short 5 minute walk. Better yet, try to make some time to hit the gym or go for a hike.
• Spend time together, offline. Consider setting up a technology-free meetup with your friends, colleagues, or family. Talking and interacting with other people has many physical and mental health benefits.
• Seek out novel experiences. Scrolling social media or staring at the same monitor for hours can be a monotonous experience. In the words of Joshua Foer from Moonwalking With Einstein, “Monotony compresses time; novelty extends it.”

Thank you to Jeff Japp, Leon Nguyen, and Andrew Weiglein from the SJSU IT Program Management Office, for providing this tip. As always, the SJSU IT Service Desk is here to help by phone at (408) 924-1530 or online.

Thanks,
Bob Lim
Vice President for Information Technology
and CIO at San José State University