We are living in a world where technology has gone into full swing and has effected our lives both positively and negatively. If you go outside, you see people walking with their heads down looking at their phones, you see people taking pictures or people listening to music. No matter where you go, you're going to encounter technology because it's become a routine.

I wake up in the morning and immediately check my social media. When I'm walking to class, I'm listening to my music. When I get home from school, I'm on my computer working on homework. Sometimes I stop and think, When was the last time I actually didn't use a phone or a computer for a long period of time? When did I go outside and appreciate the world surrounding me and not worry about phones, computers, etc.?

Yes, I admit that I'm an avid phone user, but I do try to put down my phone every now and then to really take in everything. I want to be able to talk to people face-to-face, I want to be able to enjoy scenery, I want to just experience life without having to document anything for once.

Have you ever gone to a concert or a birthday party and found yourself taking pictures, tweeting, texting about that event? When you do that, you're not living in the moment. We constantly try to capture these moments when in reality we aren't really there. Being physically and mentally present means that you're partaking in the events that surround you and not living vicariously through your own social media.

I understand the advantages of technology and I think that there are times when we have to depend on it. I love the fact that if I want to have a memory forever, I can take a picture and it will always be there. Regardless, I think we are too dependent and too addicted. If we could just step away for at least a few hours, we would see the world differently. This "look down" culture has started and I think it's about time to look up again.