Today it is unfortunate that our society has developed systems completely or nearly completely reliant on technology. There are no backup systems that are completely infallible and in many cases no hard copies or analog systems to use or depend on in case of emergency. If there was a digital apocalypse it would all be gone.

Across the globe, people have become so reliant on technology that when internet access goes out they are unable to go about their day normally. A disruption of internet access means loss of job and educational opportunities. Missing one email could mean losing anything from a job to a significant other.

Kimberl Lawton

Without the internet, access to features included cellular devices becomes extremely limited. Social media apps like Facebook or Twitter which have in recent years been vehicles for protest movements and social change will no longer be available. This shifts a persons' sphere of influence from global to local. Contacting anyone out of the country immediately would be impossible.
Small instances of disruption happen on a daily basis confounding the lives of millions of people globally. Your wireless hookup could all of a sudden decide to no longer connect your phone, laptop, iPad, etc. In these moments which can induce high levels of stress in those with deadlines, a quick fix isn't always available.

Kimberly Lawton

Any time sensitive communication is unlikely to be answered as your connection either does not exist is below the levels which allow for synchronizing accounts. Work emails, group messages full of plans with friends, or notifications that your package of textbooks has indeed arrived will not come through. Communication with your editor and writing community group needed to maintain your role as a creative community member won't go through either. Where does this leave you? The doghouse. How do you fix it? Communicate the best you can when you can. Finding places where a connection exists. If necessary submit responses from friend's houses, hit up the library, or a McDonalds. Sometimes all you can do is your best in these often tense situations.

Kimberly Lawton

Some reminders:

1. If you aren't getting emails: check your sync settings across your devices. Sometimes sync turns off or becomes unavailable. For about two weeks emails I sent were going out, but no responses were coming in.

2. If you aren't getting texts: restart your phone and check your wifi or data settings.

3. If you are an online content creator: take a day to write a bunch of submissions ahead of time. Schedule them for your deadlines and then keep up with the process.

4. If no calls are coming through: go in and talk to your phone provider.

Don't let technology bugging out make your miss out or lose out on opportunities.