By: Crystal Fernandez – Staff Writer
When was the last time you had a face to face conversation with someone without texting or checking your phone? Or the last time you flipped through the pages of an actual book?
It just hit you, didn’t it? We have become so obsessed with technology that we forgot how what life is like without the constant distractions. People are attached to their iPhones, Androids, iPads, and Kindles. We can’t go a day without them because we live in a highly digitized society. Most, if not all of your classes require the use of a laptop, and if you’re taking online classes you are bound to spend more time in front of a computer that interacting with people. Careers require you to use many forms of technology that are essential to your success at work. We readily turn to e-mails, social media and text messages for daily communication. Believe it or not, as beneficial as technology is, it also affects the way you live your everyday life in a negative light. The world will not stop if you are not holding your cell phone in your hand at every moment of the day.
It’s time to do a little experiment, just for self awareness. Unplug the technology for one day and see the difference it has on your regular routine. Sound impossible? Here are some ways to kick the habit if unplugging sounds like the an unpassable test.
Unplug and interact: Is your iPhone your best friend? It might sound reasonable, considering it knows everything about you and is always there when you need it, but rethink your priorities if technology is coming between you and your family. Technology can affect relationships, friendships, and social interactions in general. This is because your nose is buried in a digital device and you lose interest in socializing.
Unplug and ask why: Some people check their Facebook from a smartphone while they are eating breakfast, and check their e-mail at stoplights. Why? Having a smartphone at our fingertips can trick us into believing that we are saving time. The problem is that if you’re are searching, responding, and reading for 20 minutes every hour, the time will add up quickly. Why are you lying in bed checking your email every five minutes? Couldn’t it wait until the morning? Analyze these bad habits.
Unplug and Unwind: I know it sounds crazy, right? No use of technology for 24 hours seems like a death sentence. Unplugging in a world that is run by digital devices can get a little tricky. It is worth it. Stop checking facebook every day after dinner and instead, spend some time exercising, reading a book, and spending face-to-face time with friends.
Technology monopolizes precious time. It is tough to acknowledge negative aspects of technology because we reap many benefits from it. Swap Instagram stalking for a night at Chili’s in the GC. Use substitutions to to gradually decrease your time using technology:
- You’ll avoid burnout. Unplugging for a few days can help you recharge your own battery pack.
- You’ll reconnect with friends and family. The people you love appreciate your hard work, but they want the fun-loving version of you, too.
- You’ll free up time for fun. Use muscles you haven’t worked in a while to bike, hike or swim.
- You’ll gain perspective. Once you return to your smartphone you’ll realize the earth didn’t fall off its axis while you were away. Technology isn’t the end all.
It is often said that everything in excess is bad. This saying also applies to the recent growth of technological devices in society. Keep technology in perspective and enjoy the simple aspects of life all around you.