Technology is a beautiful thing. I could not go a full day without my iPhone. I'm well aware that it sounds like I have an addiction to my phone, and I think that is partially true. Everyone has a certain level of attachment to their phone. Phones are now calendars, planners, calculators, flashlights, and even credit cards. You can listen to music, get on the internet, check the time, watch movies, and of course talk to friends and family. These are all awesome aspects of advancements in technology. However, there are undoubtedly downsides to being plugged in 24/7.
The first day of the semester, I walked in to my literature class, only to find my new classmates' heads buried in their phones. I typically try to go to new classes early in order to get to know people, but it is becoming harder and harder. Our phones can serve as sort of a social crutch. It can get pretty intimidating sitting at a table full of strangers you know nothing about. You don't know who their friends are, where they are from, or anything about their personalities. It is really easy to just whip out your phone and talk to the friends you already have, or even just scroll on Twitter.
However, what I have found is that getting on your phone instead of talking to people in your class just prolongs the awkward stage. When I walk into class, whether there are two or twenty people in the room, it is always dead silent. I figured after a few classes this would go away. Unfortunately, a month into the semester, I don't know any of my classmates' names, let alone any personal details. It blows my mind how proximal people can be while being so emotionally distant.
If you take the time to notice, you will see how detrimental constant technology use is. People walking to class have earphones in. Their heads are down. Groups of friends sitting down to eat lunch don't really talk because they have already texted the events of their day in the group chat. Couples don't truly communicate because someone, somewhere made an unwritten rule that you have to text each other at all hours of the day.
Social media also plays a huge part in technology addiction. Snapchat stories can turn your cozy night in into a night where you regret not going out. You can scroll on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, or Instagram for hours, but if I asked you to name ten posts you saw could you do it? Personally I know I couldn't.
Instagram is a huge culprit. You can edit your photos to make yourself more attractive, make it look like you had a better time than you really did, and paint a contrived picture of yourself for the world to see. Instagram is sometimes used to show people what you are up to, and that is amazing! Nonetheless, it is easy to get consumed by likes and followers. If a certain picture doesn't get enough likes in a time period, you might decide to delete it. You can buy apps that get you likes and followers. People try to post the most perfect picture, at the right time of day, just to get likes from friends.
So I ask you this: do you really post what you want to, or do you just post what you think others will like? Is it really fun to be focused on angles and lighting at a party while everyone else is dancing? I invite you all to notice what technology and social media have given to us, but to also acknowledge what it has taken away.
