I think it’s been made clear to us all that technology has been dominating our lives. Moreover, I think that all of us are victim to this obsession. We are all very aware of it and have not taken action to end it, but instead contribute in its advancement as loyal users. Haven’t you ever looked up from your phone and realized you’ve been scrolling through some meaningless “app” seeking to discover more about others’ lives for over an hour?

I never really fathomed how truly terrifying this obsession is until this summer. Recently, I realized that technology has somehow caught the unwavering attention of those that have been living in this world for less than six years.

For the last seven weeks, I have been working at a private, elite elementary school. The rules for us summer camp counselors are fairly simple: phones away and take care of the kids at all times. Putting my phone away was unbelievably hard at first, but over time I felt an almost relaxing sense of freedom. Cheesy, I know, but true.

However, the disturbing part of my time at camp tends to come around during “recess” or outdoor play. Recess is a designated time during the busy camp day that allows the campers to decompress; children are allowed to run around the large turf fields, splash around in the man made streams of “Bear Creek,” zip on the zip-line, and play in the trees of “Tree Top Town” in one of the east coast's most prestigious playgrounds.

However, as awe-inspiring as the playground is, many kids would rather run up to their counselor and use up part of their free time begging to play on iPhones claiming they are “bored” and that there is “nothing to do.” These five year old kids would rather run upstairs to air conditioned rooms and listen to the “Moana” soundtrack while playing phone games. A slight glimpse at the new “Snapchat filter” is enough to override moments of unrestricted fun in the amusement park that is this school’s playground.

It disturbs me to hear them complain when I know that as 5 year olds, my classmates’ eyes would have been popping out of their sockets at the sight of the large sandboxes and the twirling monkey bars.

How could “recess,” a time to release energy, a break in elementary days that I once glorified, and a time that I would have done anything to prolong, even in cold weather, have become “boring?” How could a child look at this luxurious playground and find “nothing to do,” but complain? I can only help but think that this new addiction will be the source of many anxieties and repressed energy in the future.

But, who is to blame? We too are slaves to these addictive gadgets and the electronic world they have introduced us to. One can only be addicted after one is exposed. Don’t children mimic what they see? What does the camp counselor rule “take care of the children” really mean? I can only think that maybe it is our duty to take a few steps back.

Aren’t we all the bad apples when the next generation is intoxicated at a younger age than ever before? Maybe it’s a stretch, maybe these kids are simply tired, and maybe my train of thought is out of line. However, I’d like to put it to the test: how many kids would rather play on a jungle gym than play the next addicting game on an iPad?

Go see it for yourself.