In one of my classes this week, we discussed the positive and negative uses of technology, as well as the pervasiveness of technology in our society today. I think you all know that technology is a wonderful blessing that can be used for good, but it can also become a handicap when used too often. Our professor advised us to do a personal checkup and see how often we were using technology, and for what purposes.
So I did. For two days I kept track of my technology use more closely--in particular, the use of my phone--and documented how often I sent a text message, scanned Facebook, sent a Snapchat, etc.
The results shocked me. I could hardly go at least five minutes without checking my phone! It was ridiculous! I realized that I had been missing out on a lot going around me because I had my head down and eyes glued to my phone.
Because of what I learned, I decided to make some changes in my life. First, while I'm walking from class to class I don't look at my phone. Instead, I simply enjoy the sunny weather, smile at people, and focus more on breathing the fresh air. I have also decided to put my phone and computer to bed about twenty minutes before I go to bed. By doing this, I will have time to unwind so that falling asleep is an easier process. I'm going to start with these two changes for the next week, and then I'll figure out where to go from there.
Technology is a beautiful thing; it allows me to stay connected with my parents, brothers, and friends in Ukraine. However, there were things that I could change and ways that I could improve my usage. I am glad that we discussed this topic in class because it helped me to more clearly figure out my priorities.
Thanks, Lexi! Great post. I agree that technology is an amazing blessing. In my school classes, I rely on technology to organize and further my schoolwork. I use my phone to contact anyone from my parents to old friends in my mission, thousands of miles away. All instantly. It's pretty amazing. However, there are many amazing things that are happening right in front of our faces! Like you said, if we're not careful, we could miss something. I also recently set a goal to not use my phone during class breaks, mostly because I was running into people while not looking up when walking, and I've noticed a huge difference! I realized the beauty that surround us, just on campus. It's pretty amazing. I hope your goals also bring new insights to your life.
ReplyDeleteI agree. People do spent way to much time on their phones. I'll try to pay more attention this week on how I use technology. I bet I'll gain some valuable time if I stop getting distracted with my phone or with Facebook while doing homework.
ReplyDeleteLife is all about balance. Too much of anything is bad, however technology is so fun and accessible that it makes it super easy to abuse. I find though that life is so much more enjoyable when you are actually in it rather than living through a screen and someone else's life on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!! I agree completely. We need to control the use of our technology and not have our technology control us. We get so lost on Facebook and Instagram that we miss out on our own lives. I deleted Facebook off of my phone even and I have found that it helps a lot. Good luck with your goals!
ReplyDeleteI feel like like society is too tied to technology. Before my mission, my computer broke, and I got rid of my iPod, and I didn't have a smartphone. So I busted out a cassette player, and used on campus computers. Life was happier and more fulfilling. I liked using simple technology. Now I have a laptop, and an iPhone - but I still seek to keep my tech usage in check and my life is better off because of it.
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