In this generation, it’s hard to distinguish between the two. Left and right we see people with their noses buried in their smart phones— on their way to work, during school, on dates. These devices we hold so dear to life are what keep us from actually living it. With them, it is as if we are just passing by in this life.

I see children asking for the newest smart phone at the same age I was dying to get the newest Barbie doll. With technology evolving faster than humankind did - who can blame them? They’ve grown up knowing nothing other than smart phones, tablets, computers, and televisions.

School has gone from textbooks to e-books, jobs are starting to be more over webcam and less in person, and dates went from milkshakes at the diner to “Netflix and chill.” Technology has made life much more efficient, there’s no denying that, but we take advantage of it so much to the point that we are sacrificing real life experiences. At what point do we tell ourselves to stop?

Not too long ago, there was a picture that went viral on Twitter (it is shown above). In the photo was a crowd of people (at a concert, maybe, or some live event). Every single person was holding up a smart phone - except one. This one older lady was truly experiencing the event - taking in the memories to turn them into stories - while everyone else was living the event through their phone screens. Sure, you’ll have a recording of the event to play over and over again, but you sacrificed taking in the whole experience of the event - something much more valuable than a video or picture.

So, try putting the technology aside and be the person who reads during their lunch break. Be the person who asks someone out on a date in person. Be the person to tell the stories, not show them. Be the person who experiences life. Because there is so much more to see than what you can fit in a phone screen.