It would be a lie if I said that I was not aware of the ongoing problem with cell phones and electronic devices with children my age but especially younger generations. The truth of this situation is that significant pros to the technological advances do exist including the essential communications and essential helpful tools for children with disabilities in the school systems. The flip side of the situation is that there is an addiction with this source and furthermore it has started to create a lack of communication among the children that are around my age group and younger.

It is quite the phenomenon to see how we are glued to our phones and are not able to keep a conversation as we should be able to do. I’ve seen it in my friend groups where we can all be on our phones for a substantial amount of time, without a word of conversation in the mix. Conversation is what keeps the humanity in us alive. If we can’t continue to keep this important part of our lives in existence, how will our society be able to function properly? The answer is quite simply that it won’t.

So what’s the solution? Where do we go from here? I won’t say the typical “put your phones down and talk to your neighbor” line. What I will say is that it all comes with a price. The price of constantly using your phone means losing the chance to meet someone new and potentially create a great friendship.

The past month I’ve essentially been living phone-free for the good chunk of my day simply because I don’t have a plan that allows me to use my phone everywhere. Due to my limited capabilities without wifi, I’ve had a cleansing experience where I am not dependent on my phone for entertainment. I came to vacation with the phone in my hand and would become a hunter for the closest wifi. It’s a sickness that we must get away from. We must all look up from our devices to see the beauty and life that livres around us. Experiences and relationships do not happen (for the most part) through your phone. Let us not limit ourselves to the small devices that exist. Let us not lose the opportunities that may come our way but rather take a moment to absorb our surroundings. Let us start living our lives, independent of electronic devices. It is only that way where we can cleanse our mind and body and live in a more cohesive society.