187: How to Navigate Technology and Family Life in the Digital Age with Erin Loechner

In Episode 187, Daniel and Christina chat with Erin Loechner—once a social media influencer with over a million followers—who made the radical choice to step away from the digital spotlight and embrace a low-tech lifestyle. Erin reflects on the impact of social media on her mental health, identity, and parenting, sharing how the constant pressure to stay “connected” was eroding what mattered most. In this conversation, she offers practical tips for reducing tech dependence, from simplifying devices to creating meaningful offline moments with loved ones, all while reminding us that true connection thrives in real life, not on screens.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About The Following:

• The impact of social media on mental health and personal relationships.
• The decision to opt out of social media for family well-being.
• The evolution of social media from sharing to attention-seeking platforms.
• Experiences and benefits of living without social media.
• The importance of community and real-life connections.
• Practical steps for families to create a healthier relationship with technology.
• The role of parental controls and intentional tech use.
• The dangers of social media algorithms, especially for young users.
• The significance of authentic relationships over digital interactions.
• Encouragement for families to reflect on their technology use and its implications.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Pick up a copy of Erin’s latest book, The Opt-Out Family: How To Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t
• Read Erin’s first book, Chasing Slow: Courage To Journey Off The Beaten Path
• Erin’s Website
• Listen to our other episodes about raising kids in this tech era:
  • Parenting In Our Digital Age
  • Unplugging for Connection: How To Break The Distracted Parenting Cycle
  • Netiquette: Teaching Our Kids Online Manners
  • Breaking Up With Our Phones

Journal Prompts For Personal Reflection:

1. How do you feel technology influences your personal growth? Are there any changes you’d like to make?
2. Erin shared that stepping away from social media allowed her to focus on her own personal goals and interests. Are there any interests or hobbies you’d like to pursue more offline?
3. Erin talked about how she and her husband decided to keep a low digital footprint for their kids. Would you consider doing the same? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions For You As A Couple:

1. How do you envision our approach to technology for our children? What values or guidelines do you think would be important to share with them about tech usage?
2. Erin talked about making a conscious decision to keep certain things off social media. Are there any aspects of our lives we should consider keeping private?
3. Erin mentions the importance of face-to-face interaction and real-life community. Do you feel we have a strong enough community offline? If not, how can we work together to build that?
4. Do you think technology impacts our ability to have deep conversations? Are there ways we can be more present when we’re together?

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Meet Erin Loechner: