Reasons Why It's Ok To Be Addicted To Technology | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Reasons Why It's Ok To Be Addicted To Technology

We have the capability to participate in a global network unlike ever before.

13
Reasons Why It's Ok To Be Addicted To Technology
concepto.com

Before I entered college, I was a borderline phone addict. I would spend hours on end scrolling through my Twitter feed, googling pictures of Jake Gyllenhaal or getting lost in the darkest depths of YouTube watching French music videos. I always felt guilty about spending too much time on my phone, like I was committing a crime. Coming into college, one of my goals was to be "more present" - to stop looking at my phone constantly and actually start experiencing the things that were happening around me.

The first six weeks of college were some of the craziest weeks of my life thus far - I was constantly busy, trying to connect with my professors, meet new people, and take advantage of every opportunity that my university had to offer me. And while it was hectic, it was also wonderful, and it felt amazing to be immersing myself in my life, rather than living life virtually.

But when I went home to upstate New York for the first time on Columbus Day, I realized something. I hadn't taken a single picture to show my family and friends back home what an incredible time I was having at college. I also had not followed what was going on in my friends' lives back at home. My minimal usage of social media meant that I had missed a lot of important milestones in the lives of my friends and family. I felt out of the loop, and I felt really upset that I hadn't captured any of the great memories I had made over the last few weeks at school.

While some might argue that my generation is over-connected and screen-saturated, I think it is really important to recognize what a positive asset technology can be in the lives of young people. We have the capability to participate in a global network unlike ever before. Social media sites, instant messaging programs, and e-mail allow us to follow and communicate with anyone, from anywhere, at any time, almost instantaneously. Our cell phones, computers, and tablets allow us to capture and record our lives in real time. And while many assert that one can't truly experience something if they are taking pictures of it through their phone, I struggle to agree with this notion. I think it is so incredible that we can capture memories at the press of a button and have those memories to look back on for a lifetime. I am proud to live in a generation that is so willing to connect with other people on a technological platform, because this indicates our eagerness and our motivation to meet new people, make connections, and create our own "social network." My generation is compassionate for other people, and this idea should not be underestimated just because we like to connect with others using a medium that is different from the ones used in the generations preceding ours.

It is vital to recognize that there is a delicate balance between over-usage of technology and complete disconnection from society. Sometimes, it's really important to put down the phone and be present in a moment. There are feelings and memories that a phone will never be able to capture, no matter how perfect the filter or the caption that is put on Instagram. But on the other hand, social media sites, instant messaging programs, and other forms of digital connection can be invaluable means of networking with others. In a society that is becoming increasingly globally connected, sometimes the best thing to do is plug in.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

125653
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

27991
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26080
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments