I don't want to sound like that old woman who shames the younger generation for letting technology ruin their lives. I don't believe that technology has ruined my life or my relations with other people. However, it has dramatically changed it.

I'll admit that I am guilty--and I'm sure 99% of those reading this are as well--of going on my phone while talking to others, or using it as a tool of procrastination from my homework, or taking it out when I'm in an awkward situation. Now, the act of going on your phone in itself is not a bad thing. People use their cell phones to contact distant relatives and friends, conduct business, stay current in the news, and more. Phones can, in theory, bring a lot of good.

It's just that lately I've noticed people are using their phone to Snapchat their friend instead of talking to them. Scrolling through Facebook instead of doing that assignment. Binge watching Netflixinstead of going out with friends.

We are all guilty of doing these things at some point in our lives. And we all feel guilty when we realize that we might be more addicted to our phones that we would like to admit. So, why not change our behavior? It is easier than you would think to leave your phone down while having a conversation with someone. You'd be amazed how much closer attention you pay to someone's words when you're not juggling what they are saying with reading a tweet.

I'm not saying that whenever you are around people that you should never touch your phone. But, why not try to use your phone as minimally as possible, if even for a day? See if you can notice a difference in how you communicate or pay attention to others. It's surprising how much you don't miss seeing that Facebook post or liking that picture on Instagram. It's even more surprising how much you can learn about someone or how genuine the conversations can become when you're fully concentrated on what they are speaking.

So, maybe tomorrow, try to keep your phone in your back pocket for a few hours. You might learn a lot.