Technology Detox by Claire

Technology Detox by Claire - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

This year, and for years to come, I have decided to actively decrease the amount of time I am online. Excluding research for school of course. Recently, I have notice how much time is wasted scrolling through my phone or binge watching shows on my computer. It’s so easy to pick up the device or open the laptop that you don’t even need to fully decide that’s what you want to do. It can be as simple as thinking you have a few minutes to spare, and soon you’re clicking on the next episode or moving on to the next social media website.
Instead of spending time with technology I’d rather make connections with the people around me. Technology had led this generation to a point where families no longer sit down for dinner together without a device in tow, and friends can’t go one night without checking social media. What is right in front of us is no longer enough to keep our attention. We need constant pictures, entertainment, and electronic conversations void of any facial expressions or tone. Instead of texting I want personal interaction. Instead of seeing posted pictures, I want to experience it for myself. I’m not content viewing the world from behind a bright screen. I want to experience what is real and untainted. I’d rather have stories to tell for generations and people to spend my life with, than followers based on a perfected profile.
As a student I want to be focused on my studies while being involved in my campus and the people around me. With less time wasted looking though never ending comments and pictures I will be able to experience all my school has to offer and stay on track academically. The more I pull away from the habit of checking my phone simply to see what may be happening in the lives of others, the more I realize how important it is to focus on reality. The constant updates are filtered and perfected to impress. The updates I should be aware of are the ones around me, the people I meet and the opportunities I’m missing every second I’m lost in a virtual world.
This year I have made the resolution to decrease my screen time. With the decreased distractions I will be able to absorb all college has to offer, both academically and socially. It is more important to discover the people around me, and be able to have face to face conversations, then to see who they are through a filtered photo. Not only will meeting the people around me aid in my overall college experience, it will allow me to make connections and form study groups in my classes. It’s amazing the advantages that getting to know the people around you can have. I have no doubt my resolution will make me a better student in 2016.