I am currently writing this article from my bed in my condo in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I haven't seen the beach in three years, since when I went to Virginia Beach with my family. The ocean has always been a special place for me, and I've loved the water since I was little. I'm here with my whole family, and it's been a blast.

We've swam in the pool, chilled on the beach and checked out the local restaurants and shops. My cousin and I have our own room, and we have spent the nights chatting and watching movies. I've barely opened my laptop (except to write this story) and have only checked my social media accounts to be the Spotlight Creator for the Dayton Odyssey Instagram. It's been an amazing trip.

It's crazy to think about how much we actually use our phones. For my Mass Communications class, I had to keep a log for three days where I had to take note every time I used technology. I was astounded by the results. I spent most of my waking hours on technology, often on social media. I was spending more time observing the lives of other people instead of living my own.

This addiction to technology is not our fault, however. Social media apps like Facebook and Instagram are designed to keep you coming back for more, and send us a rush of dopamine every time we get a like or a comment. Our schools and workplaces only add to this, often incorporating social media into our jobs. Technology is a great and useful tool, but in moderation.

Staying off my phone and computer is a challenge, but I am so glad I've had a few days to leave it behind (at least for a little while). I've really spent quality time with my family, and made memories that I will always keep in my head instead of on a screen. Sharing is great to a point, but if you're not careful you can become distant from the people you're actually with.

This summer, I would definitely recommend taking some time away from social media. A great idea is just to delete the social media apps from your phone, so that you have to go on your laptop if you want to browse. This will keep you from subconsciously checking social media on your phone without even realizing it, and will actually force you to make eye contact with strangers. It's not as scary as it sounds, I promise!

Taking a mini vacation from social media will also remind you of some of the negative consequences of social media. When you spend too much time comparing yourself to others, you can feel like your life is inferior to other people's. This is of course completely false and perpetuates the idea that you are missing out on some amazing life that doesn't exist. Social media is a fake world that allows people to pick and choose the most glamorous moments of their life to create a mirage of what they want people to see.

This can be pretty and fun to view, but also damaging. I think social media can be entertaining and a great way to connect, but it's imperative to take a step back once in awhile. Next time you find yourself on a beach, instead of pulling out your phone, take a minute and close your eyes. Be unapologetically present in that moment, and remember how beautiful this world really is, and how lucky we all are to experience it.