I have absolutely no desire to ever become “disconnected” or “go off the grid.” Many technology addicted millennials like myself brag about how they are so sure they could give up their iPhone for a week or go a month without wifi, but not me. I don’t even try and pretend I could go more than a couple hours without full access to my phone, computer, the internet and all my beloved apps. It may just simply be because I find peace in the soft blue light emitted by my phone, but I think my reasoning for not wanting to disconnect from the world of constant communication runs a bit deeper.
I’ve lost too many people in my life to want to “disconnect” from those who are still in my life. I love to be easy to reach and always in touch, and I like the same quality in my friends and family. I’m happier when my friends are just a phone call, text or snapchat away. I like falling asleep to a funny video a friend sent me and waking up to a good morning text from my mom. If I didn’t want to hear from the people in my life 24/7, then why do I have them in my life? There are so many beautiful inventions that have come about just in my lifetime alone to make communication easier, and blatantly choosing not to use those makes no sense to me. Who is to say being connected day in and day out is a bad thing?
I have recently moved to Copenhagen, Denmark and will be living and studying here for the next five months. I cringe at the thought of what it must have been like for my mom and other people of her generation to study abroad with only expensive long distance phone calls and snail mail keeping her and her family and friends back in the states connected. I know past study abroad participants recommend minimal phone use and taking in all that is happening in real time, however, I know myself. I know I would be too distracted to fully appreciate all I am witnessing and learning if I couldn’t put some pictures up on my snap story or text my friends if I saw something that reminded me of them.
I’m not ashamed that I can’t fall asleep unless my phone is literally right next to my head or that I bring my phone with me when I go to the bathroom. I love hearing from my friends, I love seeing what my family is up to. I have the world’s worst case of FOMO and a fully charged iPhone is the only cure.
Plus, I pride myself on being the first one to respond to emails or group chat texts. After all, I want my friends and family to know that if (and for some, when) they are arrested and get their one phone call, it won’t be wasted on me because I ALWAYS answer my phone!
There are so many people in my life who I wish were just a phone call away, but they’re not, which is precisely why I will never “go off the grid” or “disconnect” because sometimes you don’t have a choice when you get disconnected from someone, but so long as I have a choice I will forever and always stay connected.
