To those who love technology,

Over the past few years, since I got my first phone and my first laptop, all I ever want to do is be connected. I sit there on my phone not paying attention at dinner, stuck in a virtual world. It keeps you connected, but also tears you away from everything.

Put it down. When you are at dinner with your family, leave the phone in a pocket or a purse. Don't sit there texting everyone. It can wait. You miss out on so much.You miss a chance to bond, to spend quality time together, and to learn about everyone's day.

Professors: How do you expect me to learn? Yes, interactive online may be great, but how can I learn if everything is computer-based? Maybe I like to write out my thoughts rather than having to draw diagrams online. I like getting paper homework. I like being able to go home and write on my homework. The OWL and LaunchPad homeworks need to end.

Parents: Yes, you may not be used to this new form of technology, and you may always feel like you need the latest iPhone to take photos of everything. You may have to be on the phone for work or to make some important phone call. Don't spend all of your time on your phone. It takes away the quality time spent with your kids.

I like being able to shut down. I like that I can just turn everything off and talk to people. If you want to use technology, try to use it together. Watch a movie or a TV show.

To my generation: Remember the time that we would go outside and play? When the Razr was the biggest thing, or even the Chocolate. Now look at what the generation has become. Xbox. PS4. iPhone 6s. As technology changes, it has the ability to pull us further and further away from the world. It is so easy to miss something beautiful in nature. It is so easy to rely on technology, but what happens when it shuts down?

Everything is becoming technology-based and to be honest, I am not a fan. I do not like sitting there at dinner on my phone. I used to be obsessed with how many Instagram followers I had or how many Facebook friends I had. But how many of those people actually know me? I am allowing strangers to come into my life and learn so much about me, including where I go to school or what I do in my spare time. But those people aren't even important. Pay attention to your friends, family, boyfriend/girlfriend. Those are the people who will always be there when technology fails.

Sincerely,

The girl who used to love technology