While home for spring break I got to spend a lot of time with my family. During this time, my dad showed me a commercial that really sparked my interest. The advertisement was all about the difference in generations. Each generation was interviewed and asked one important question, “What did you do for fun when you were growing up?” A pretty simple question right? Although the answers were not shocking, they definitely reflected the differences between the ages. The oldest generation said they enjoyed doing activities like picking fruit. The middle generation said that they would start up a ball game or make forts with their friends. To no one’s surprise, the current generation of kids gave answers all having to do with technology. Whether it be video games, texting, emailing, one child said she would “die without her iPad.”

I have to say that the responses from the youngest generation were sad to see. We all know it’s so easy to get caught up in this trend of our devices controlling your life. While watching, I felt a little sad to be a part of this generation, sad that I can’t say I am not living my life through a screen. It may be bad to admit but whenever I go out the first thought I have is “I wonder if I’ll get a cool Instagram tonight” or spend my night constantly putting up Snapchat stories. I would like to say my generation is better that this but in reality, we aren’t. Technology is a lifestyle that you get sucked into. Everyone around you is consumed with texting and apps so what are you to do other than just go with whatever everyone else is doing. After a while, you don’t even notice when you check out of the real world and are only paying attention to what’s on your screen instead of the people right in front of you.

What we all need to learn is that life is about experiences. Would you rather look back and say “Wow I got a great Instagram that night” or “Wow I had the best time with all my friends that night.” I would definitely choose the latter. We need to get our priorities straight. If we don’t it’s scary to think about where this trend could lead. Although this Nature Valley ad is what brought this issue to my attention, this topic is something I think about often. There must be a way to bring people away from the screens and back to the here and now. We might have to start small, but is that so bad? Baby steps are how everything begins in life and this is no exception. The thing is, people have to be willing to change. Give up an hour of TV for an hour sitting outside or a nature walk (whatever floats your boat).

So next time you unconsciously unlock your phone in the middle of a conversation just think, would I rather be giving this person my full attention and letting them feel heard, or check my Snapchat feed to see another pointless story. Our generation has a choice, and it’s not an easy one, but it is one that everyone at least should take the time to think about. Let your life be about you, not the newest app on your iPhone.