In an era dominated by screens and notifications, finding genuine presence has become increasingly challenging. Alejandro Betancourt, entrepreneur, writer, and thoughtful observer of modern life, offers refreshing perspectives on maintaining authenticity in today’s hyper-connected world.
The Digital Paradox
“Scrolling Instagram any day of the week—everyone posts their golden-hour selfies and curated coffee runs. Where’s the soggy dad in the pickup line? The blurry shot of wet sneakers?” Betancourt writes in “Soaked and Smirking: Why I Stopped Dodging the Rain.“
This observation highlights what Betancourt sees as our modern dilemma: technology connects us more than ever, yet often creates a filtered reality that leaves us feeling inadequate and disconnected from authentic experience.
As both a tech entrepreneur and digital content creator, Betancourt doesn’t advocate for technological abstinence. Instead, he promotes a nuanced relationship with our devices—one that harnesses their benefits while remaining mindful of their limitations.
Presence Over Perfection
Central to Alejandro Betancourt’s philosophy is valuing presence over digital perfection. In “That’s Just the Facts! (Or Is It?),” he notes how social media encourages us to craft highlight reels rather than embrace our full experiences.
“Life’s a TikTok reel. We’re obsessed with the polished 15-second highlight—perfect lighting and a snappy edit,” he writes. The alternative? Embracing what he calls “the raw footage, the outtakes that don’t make the cut but still tell the story.”
As a single father of twins, Betancourt finds that technology often pulls us away from these raw, unfiltered moments—the messy, imperfect experiences that give life its meaning. He advocates for intentional unplugging to fully engage with the present, whether standing in the rain with his children or simply experiencing an emotion without reaching for digital distraction.
Practical Strategies for Digital Balance
Alejandro Betancourt offers several practical approaches to maintaining mindfulness in a digital age:
- Create boundaries around technology use: Designate specific tech-free times and spaces, particularly around family activities.
- Practice mindful consumption: Be selective about digital inputs, choosing quality over quantity and being intentional about what deserves your attention.
- Embrace analog experiences: Counterbalance screen time with tactile activities that engage your senses—cooking, walking in nature, or face-to-face conversations.
- Use technology purposefully: Approach digital tools as means to specific ends rather than default activities for filling time.
The Mindfulness Paradox
Alejandro Betancourt notes that our relationship with technology often mirrors larger life patterns. In “Spinning Through the Dark,” he reflects on how we resist uncomfortable experiences—both online and offline—instead of finding value in them.
“Maybe it’s not about winning; it was about not losing myself to the fight,” he writes of choosing presence over resistance. This same principle applies to our digital lives: not fighting against technology’s existence, but refusing to lose ourselves within it.
Finding Your Digital Equilibrium
Ultimately, Betancourt’s approach to technology reflects his broader life philosophy: balance, presence, and authenticity matter more than perfection. He encourages finding a personal digital equilibrium that allows technology to enhance rather than diminish our human experience.
As he reminds us in “Soaked and Smirking,” sometimes the real magic happens when we put down our phones and simply experience the moment—rain-soaked shoes and all.
“Your rain’s coming—maybe it’s today or tomorrow. Are you ready to get wet?” Perhaps in this question lies the key to mindfulness in our digital age: the willingness to step away from our screens long enough to feel life’s rain on our skin.
Related: Bridging the Gap: Addressing Disconnection in the Workplace