Many would say we’re addicted to technology; I know that I am. Whether we’re talking on our phones, reading on our tablets, texting, working on a laptop or listening to music, we’re engaging with screens more and engaging face to face with people less. My favorite technology sighting is a group of people out at dinner, all looking at their cell phones instead of talking to one another. Why have we allowed technology to take over our lives and impede our social skills?
Granted, not all advances in technology have impeded communication and social skills. In fact, technology makes it easier to communicate and interact with people around the world. And, I’m personally very thankful for that advancement. However, at the same time, we’d rather text someone than simply call them on the phone or, better yet, talk to them in person. We’d rather see what’s happening on Twitter instead of having a conversation with our friends at dinner.
We’re all guilty of this to some extent — and it’s certainly not a generational problem for millennials. Our parents, and even many of our grandparents, have not only allowed this to happen but have fallen to technology’s addictive qualities, as well.
More and more, people are becoming aware of technology’s firm grasp in our lives. The idea of a technology detox or cleanse is quickly gaining popularity across the country. Celebrities such as Arianna Huffington, Ian Somerhalder and others have used their social networking platforms to encourage fans to join them in a 24-hour technology cleanse.
My friends and I even went on a three-day cell phone detox during our recent spring break trip. While it wasn’t easy, and we slipped at one time or another, it was rewarding and refreshing. We didn’t really worry about what people were tweeting about or posting on Instagram. We didn’t even stress about what was happening in current events around the world.
For those three days, we had real conversations with one another; we experienced a beautiful part of the country, the Florida Keys, without being distracted by technology’s pull. Our relationships grew because we weren’t surrounded by distractions. And, because of the cell phone detox, I think we’ll remember this spring break trip more vividly than others. We’ll remember the experiences because we weren’t constantly texting, checking Facebook or tweeting.
Turning off your cell phone for just one day can decrease your stress levels, help you focus and give you time to refresh and re-center yourself. Furthermore, taking a step back from technology gives us the ability to invest in and find the importance of personal relationships and interactions. It leads to more enjoyable experiences that you’re likely to better remember because you’re not distracted by the rest of the world or an addictive piece of technology.
I urge everyone to consider taking a 24-hour cell phone detox or technology cleanse. Take some time to discover the real world and the people around you, without the impediments of technology.
Adam Blackwell is a senior public policy leadership major from Natchez.
