Technology has become such a prevalent part of our lives. From the buzzing of cell phone vibrations to having screens being put in our faces all the time, it is difficult for us to escape. Yes, technology is necessary in this day and age, and we should use it. Coming from someone who believes in the power of technology and its ability to make lasting change, I think it's time from all of us to take a breather from it from time to time.
Last year, it shocked me that professor for one of my classes would not let the students use their laptops in class. Why not? Because it disengaged students from paying attention to the lecture and would make them less able to concentrate on what was in front of them. Students were told to take the notes the old-fashioned way...the pencil/pen and paper method.
Maybe my professor was right. Facebook, other social media, and e-mail would have constantly been on people's screens otherwise. We have hands to take notes with, so why not use them? It's a great refresher to not have to stare at the computer screen for another block of time.
Now, people spend hours and hours of their time on their technological devices, and it worries me. They constantly check their emails and messages (I'm guilty of this too), they take so much personal time to write long, substantial statuses and comment on people's pictures, make the effort upload nice pictures of themselves and their moments, etc. Yes, it is useful to be in the know of things. Being informed about our friends and family's lives, current events, who is trying to contact us, and the thoughts and opinions of others are all crucial and are the benefits of technology. It makes things so much easier. But I think it also creates distraction. It is difficult for us to live in the moment because we always have screens placed in front of us. We have to stare at screens when we type text messages, do most school work, and watch TV shows and movies. It's like we can never truly escape.
It angers me when someone I am trying to speak with in-person is on his/her phone and still claims to be listening to what I am saying. Is that person really listening? No. That person is present but is not "all there" in so many ways: not being emotionally connected to what I'm saying, physically not making eye contact, mentally focusing his/her attention on something other than me. Moreover, people carry their phones around and are slaves to them everywhere and every moment: while walking on the street, while sitting, while with loved ones, while waiting in lines, while eating food.
I think it's time for us to create moments when we're not always pressured to use technology. Because of its widespread use, we aren't given the opportunity to think for ourselves. We're immediately given answers to questions and problems, responses from others, and entertainment from technology. It'll still be there even if we choose to unwind for a bit. In order to unwind, I think we have to often eliminate things that stress us out, and the various forms of technology can very well cause stress.
Instead of having technology control us, we should control it. Attempting to not use it too much can make us happier and healthier. We can take simple steps to achieve the goal of limiting its use. When in need of entertainment or something fun to do, try to read the old-fashioned way, be physically active, or make plans to meet a friend face-to-face. Or, you could go to a nice place in your town or city and just admire the scenery. Take the time to gather your thoughts and self-reflect because it provides a sense of relief along with a reality check of life's transience. Pick a specific time of day to engage in social media and to check emails/online messages. However, it's always a good idea to answer your phone when it rings or text someone back when it vibrates, just saying. I think that limiting technology to a certain extent not eliminating its use completely is the way to go.
Having time away from technology gives us the time to breathe, recharge, and really think. So, turn off the phone or computer for a while, go outside, take a walk, admire the trees and the sky. You'll be glad you did.
