Most of our communications and socializing happen to be online. I agree with the idea that the “right physical environment can encourage offscreen socializing.” Personally, I find that a comfortable or adventurous place surrounded by close friends or family encourages less phone usage instead of a setting where there are a lot of strangers or people you are not close with. For example, I remember that when I went to amusement parks or Coney Island with my family, I rarely used my phone. This was probably because it was an amusement park, where I was involved, went on rides, and there were close members that I can talk with and be myself. Another experience was just learning about my friends’ religions in a empty and silent place. The reason I think I didn’t spent much time on my phone was because I was actually interested to learn about their religion and I felt comfortable with them.
Some of my biggest obstacles to leaving home and staying off my phone include safety, awkwardness and simply having the mood and motivation to go out. I feel like the feeling of awkwardness only applies for friends I am not close with because we might not have much to talk about and end up looking at our phones. However, I still believe that having more places to go would help us take breaks from technology, especially places with fun activities and places that we have not gone to before.
I think it is true that teens today most likely have less freedom and independence than their parents did when they were teens. This is because teens today are caged with higher expectations and society norms. We are expected to behave in a certain way by society. For example, the improvement of technology and new innovations pushes us to learn a new things, requires us to know how to use them, and leaves us with less privacy. Today, we face different challenges as the world develops, which leaves us with more stress. If I was able to create more places for teens to be together in person, it should be a place surrounded with nature like a forest park or lake, or could be fun places like an arcade or amusement park. These environments would be helpful in relieving stress and hanging out with friends.
I agree with the statement and have seen it in my own life. Being in a comfortable or adventurous place with close friends or family usually leads to less phone use, compared to being around strangers or acquaintances. When you’re enjoying the company of people you’re close to, especially in a fun setting, you’re naturally more engaged and less likely to be on your phone.
I enjoy going to new places, especially with my family as together we’re learning about the place, the wonders it has to offer. Times like this is where I see myself not using my phone, forgetting everything that I’m subscribed to. Just pure focus on the new place.