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RESEARCH DEPARTMENT — EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
FOLDOUT REFERENCE · RETAIN FOR PERSONAL USE

When Overwhelmed by Technology

Follow steps in order. Do not skip ahead. Do not consult the machine first.

1
EAT

Something real. With a plate. Preferably warm.

Granola bars retrieved from desk drawers do not qualify.

2
SLEEP

Horizontal. Eyes closed. Device in another room.

"Resting my eyes while scrolling" is not sleep.

3
WALK

Outside. Without a podcast. Notice things.

Trees have not been updated since the Cretaceous period. They are fine.

4
TALK TO ANOTHER HUMAN

In person if possible. Voice if not. Text only as last resort.

Group chats do not count. You know which ones.

5
THEN ASK THE MACHINE

You will ask a better question now. The machine will notice.

If the problem persists after all five steps... the problem may not be the machine.

This card should be kept within reach at all times.

The Research Department cannot be held responsible for skipped steps.

theresearchdepartment.org · AMY SEHY · DIRECTOR OF FIELD STUDIES