As an experiment after reading this article, try walking to class one day and count every person you see on their phone.  Definitely count those whom you run into as you are crossing the street, and commend those who don't even sport their goddamn earphones. I am no saint, as I often rely on my phone to relieve myself from the awkward four block walk to class, five days a week, but it is astonishing how many more phones can be seen in contrast with say, 2004.

Last year as a freshman, a friend introduced me to a new phrase that would become relevant in my life. "Disconnecting to connect" wasn't something at the time, where you were living in a dorm accepting friend requests 24/7 and adding numbers in your phone, sometimes thrice a day, that I really wanted to do.  It seemed that being on your phone all the time was necessary and coincided with being a college student.

In our generation, we are constantly chastised by our parents, teachers, and elders for being on our phones everywhere we go. This is not our fault, as we are growing up in a world where we have become dependent on technology. I know there are thousands of articles out there begging the young'uns to release themselves from deadly technology, but I personally don't think that is something that will help our generation, and future ones, to positively progress.

However, from another perspective, and looking back on the years when cellphones were not even a remote aspect of daily life, it i worth it to maybe take a step back and realize that being around technology all the time is hurting our developing relationships. Now, I am all for gaining Twitter followers, having the perfect Instagram, and even the occasional Facebook stalking session (no matter how irrelevant people say Facebook is these days). But putting your phone down during a meal, leaving it in the car while you go shopping with your mom, or keeping it at home during a trip to the beach with your friends can make all the difference in the world.

Last semester, a teacher of mine showed a video where a woman's life is documented with those surrounding her completely glued to their cellphones.  It is sad to watch and to think that, in reality, those people are you. Don't waste anyone else's time, or yours, anymore. In making this small change you will soon realize how often others are on their phones and how addicted you used to be. You will be able to contribute to conversations without worrying about all the Snapchat stories you could have been watching.  

So go ahead, disconnect to connect; it's worth it.