This may seem odd, but I like to observe the way that people act. I’ve found that one of the best places to do this is in my school’s dining commons. If I am there by myself I will often just look around and take note of how people go about their business. One thing I have noted is our constant attachment to devices. I am guilty of it myself, too. We cannot even go for a half an hour while we eat without picking up our phones. They have become a necessity at the dinner table like our silverware and drinking glasses.

Many times as I look around the room, I’ll see groups of friends during meals with their phones in hand and their eyes glued to the screens. They sit at circular tables, made to promote socialization with one another, yet everyone is more interested in the virtual world contained inside their device. Like a plague, technology is sucking the life out of our existence.

We have become so self-centered that we’re only concerned with checking to see how many people have liked our newest photo on Instagram or getting that perfect snap to add to our story. We have neglected the friends that are sitting right beside us because we are too concerned with how our social media profiles appear. Why did smartphones and apps become more important than relationships? We go onto social networks forgetting that a social network currently surrounds us.

Next time you’re with your friends, try putting away the devices and focus on the people around you. You may have to send a text to them so they’ll get off their own phones first, but ask them how they’re doing. Find out what’s going on in their life. Talk about the things you’re interested in like sports, movies, books, or music; you never know what could spark a mutual interest. Converse about topics that are important to you as well. You might just be surprised by what insight your friends can offer about politics, social justice, or faith. Purposefully interacting with people in this manner can satisfy you in ways that no social media will ever be able to do.

Take more time to notice the people around you. Offer someone a compliment. Chances are, if you take more time to look at the friends sitting across the table from you instead of your phone, you’re more likely to notice their awesome T-shirt or new haircut. Not only will it show that you’re paying attention to them, but it will give them a little confidence booster. Who doesn’t need that once in while?

Lastly, just be courteous. Our society deems it acceptable to constantly be on our phones, but it is really not okay. It is a gift every time you get to see a friend. Pay attention to him or her by disregarding the apps, messages, or whatever else may be tempting you to check your phone.

I want you to challenge yourself. Next time you’re with your friends put the phone away. Texts can wait, Snapchats can wait, Twitter can wait, but the people who are present cannot. Hopefully you will find that there is much more to life than what is contained by the little device which is constantly in our hands.