I have to admit I wasn't completely isolated from all type of technology seeing as I typed this article on my iPad on my airplane ride home from Mexico. But I was indeed isolated from the Internet and social media for approximately a month. My only true access to the Internet was to submit my Odyssey articles, pay some bills, and yes post the occasional Instagram picture. I have to admit that my separation from the Internet wasn't voluntary, there is simply not good reception in my grandfathers old hometown in Mexico.
The truth is that like all other millennials, I am dependent on technology and the internet and living without it was extremely difficult. However, I never realized how dependent on technology I was and how much I missed whipping out my phone to check Facebook, Instagram, or GroupMe. Even without any good access to social media I found myself carrying my phone everywhere with me. Why? Because somehow it was comforting to have my phone with me even if I couldn't use it. I had always thought that I could live without technology but the reality is that I can’t because like many others every aspect of my life is tied to my cell phone, laptop or tablet.
Most millennials can remember the times when we didn't have technology in our everyday lives and yet we can’t seem to be able to live without it. We are living in a time where people care more about their phone then their family and friends. We need to start paying more attention to our surroundings and stop setting all of our attention on the phone in our hands. I have to say that not being able to use my phone for almost a month allowed me to enjoy my family and my surroundings. On the other had if I would have been able to use my phone I don't think I would have enjoyed my vacation or my family as much as I did.
Technology is a great asset and can help us in many ways and yet it can completely consume our every day lives. We need to start focusing not only on our online life, but our everyday physical lives. We need to start focusing on our everyday family and friends and not on how many Facebook friends or Instagram followers we have. Life is more than just the internet and social media. My experience allowed me to understand that technology can consume us only if we allow it to.
So my fellow millennials, step away from your phone for a little while and go enjoy your family. friends, or significant other because their is so much to do and so little time. Enjoy the short life we were given and live the life to its fullest.
