In recent years, we have seen communications through paper be completely replaced by internet modalities. From telegrams to telephones, radios to cell phones, the means by which we communicate has advanced so far. The explosion of communication allows for faster and more efficient ways to send messages even globally. Within seconds, we can send a message to a loved one all the way across the world.

It’s equally incredible to think about how far we’ve come with transportation. From travelling by foot to actually flying places, humans have managed to improve on and establish ways to reach places by land, sea, air, and even space!

All these creations and advancements have been to save people’s time and decrease the amount of time they work. This was done by being more effective and speedy with how people would be communicating and transporting themselves. Machines are built to bring more ease and comfort into the lives of those who use them. However, rather than giving more free time, all these innovations have simply led to more time spent working.

Modes of transportation such as the transcontinental railroad and automobiles were to get people from “Point A” to “Point B” quicker and easier than previous methods. With all these new methods people were expected to have the means to get to Point B at specific times. Being able to easily call, text, or “shoot” an email instantly is supposed to be a privilege, but now with smartphones and computers people are always “on the grid.” Families and friends expect to be kept up with and employers ask for employees to remain available for any emergency or correspondence.

In earlier times, people would have time to themselves upon coming home after a day’s worth of work. Once at home, all they had left was whatever needed to be done to maintain the household. In today's times upon reaching home people have a dozen errands to run, phone calls to return, and assignments to complete and submit in addition to regular household chores.

All this progress deludes us into thinking that we are freer when in fact we are just more available, with less and less actual time to ourselves. Living in this age of online presences, it can be beneficial to have some time set apart for yourself and to be truly free rather than wrapped up in being available. Try a social media cleanse or face-to-face interactions instead of FaceTime!