There’s no way I mean that we should lead our lives without the usage of available technology. Technology plays a vital role in bringing easiness, comfort, convenience, efficiency, and timeliness in everyday life and we all know it. However, how much we should depend on it is up to us. At least, in my opinion.
For example, we do need a cell phone that can reach out to our families and friends within seconds. Who could deny its efficiency over posting hand-written letters? Although I secretly wish of receiving a hand-written letter instead of hundred calls and several hundred text messages. Back to the technology talk, we can even use the same cell phone device for many other purposes such as checking time, emails, bank accounts, reading books, calculating, recording, taking pictures, listening and watching audio and videos etc. I usually make sure that I use my cell phone or any other technology only as much as I need which leads me to the thought that obsession and dependency come as choice. As I’m able to establish a control over my technology usage it saves me time to focus on other important things.
At this point I’m interested in knowing how many of my classmates keep their technology usage to the minimum just to avoid dependency? Or how many at least agree that dependency is a choice?
I think of the days when cell phones and other technologies were nonexistent in my life and I realize how much simpler and less complex my life was. But today, with the availability of social media, music, messaging, games, etc. on our fingertips, I can admit that I cannot last a day without my phone. I feel secure when I have my phone, and if I were to forget my phone at home it would feel as if I left my wallet at home. Therefore, in my case, I feel like I had no choice but to become obsessive and dependent over my phone.
I own a cell phone since 2005. When I went to study abroad in fall 2012, I decided to live without a phone for a while just to see how I’d feel about it. A week went by, I didn’t feel any problem and therefore, decided to continue the same for the semester. But my friends were heavily annoyed by the fact that they can’t reach me anytime they want. One of them finally decided to get me a phone and that ended my “life with no cell phone experiment”. It’s interesting that people thought I was on a tight budget. I explained several times that I’m only trying to see how long I could survive without a phone. They probably found it too unrealistic to believe!
I dislike people who are constantly on their phone. I have to see this everyday at home and it got to the point where my parents are busy playing games on their phone while we’re having family dinner ( I hate you Candy Crush….). I think our generation affects older generation because of our overused of technology. Is there a way to fix this? I honestly dont think so.
Some degree of self-control might be helpful to minimize these behaviors. Also, finding alternative activities to substitute the gaming habit would possibly work. I actually have pretty good control on myself. So I think it’s possible to regulate actions.
At my home, we have a rule of no screens at the dinner table. Sadly, the rest of the day is tons of screen time. I’m afraid I may be the worst offender, as I’m always carrying around my phone or tablet.
Some classes here have an assignment where the students are asked to go 24 hours with no screens. Would anyone here be interested in that? It’s quite a fascinating experience to undergo if you’ve become permanently tethered to some gadget.
I’d be interested in some no screens activity. The semester began about 5 weeks ago and I’m already tired of looking at the screen!
About a year ago I was able to control my technology usage to a minimum, but since transferring to Baruch and joining clubs. I find myself getting dependent on technology. I’m constantly checking Facebook, Instagram, e-mail, text messages, and etc. As much as I would love to put my phone down for a day, I don’t see how thats possible. If my environment is constantly engaging and sharing through technology, I feel like I’m obligated to engage back.
Staying updated is necessary for us. But you could probably set up a time interval to check for updates if you are really interested in minimizing the usage.
When I’m with my friends, I try to minimize my use of cell phones. It is very hard to because I’m constantly checking my email, texts and playing games. But, I totally agree with you; I love receiving handwritten letters much more than receiving texts. The pro of technology is the efficiency but there’s much more meaning when you communicate through old ways. Anyone can definitely survive having a day off from all these technological gadgets so I think it’s a choice.