We all do it. Whether we are walking to class, waiting in line at the grocery store, “engaged” in a conversation, and even sitting at dinner with friends, we are glued to the screens of our phones.

If you set foot onto any high school or college campus, you will see students walking with their heads down somehow managing to navigate their ways through the crowds while simultaneously checking Twitter. The multitasking world in which we currently live is causing us to feel like we need to always be focusing on at least two subjects at once.

Personally, I have relied on my iPhone since the day I got it. I developed a habit for using my phone during awkward situations, and I find myself aimlessly checking Instagram or Twitter while I’m studying or out with friends. Social media is a way to stay connected, but when everyone is present in a room together and all on their phones, there is anything but social interaction.

Instead of phones being used for communication like they were intended for, in today’s world, they serve almost as a safety blanket. Whenever we feel awkward or are put in an uncomfortable situation, we often look straight to our phones like they will somehow magically relieve the awkward tension. This may not relate to some people, and if it doesn’t apply to you, then good for you, but I’ve noticed it in myself and in others for quite some time.

Most high school and college students use social media every day. While intended to connect people without being face to face, social media has damaged the idea of what being social really is for many young adults.

A few weeks ago, I decided to test myself and see if I could go an entire week without looking at my phone while walking to class. Fortunately for my lucky self, I shattered my phone and was barely able to use it for three weeks. In the beginning of the week, I was shocked about how uncomfortable I felt walking alone without my phone, not realizing how much I really look at it day to day.

I started to question why I was so uncomfortable. How is this piece of plastic and metal making me feel more confident? Or is it just a distraction to avoid possible awkward situations? I still can’t figure out what it is, but all I know is that it is a waste of my time and that walking to class while actually looking where I was going is really not as horrible as I made it out to seem.

By the end of the week, I almost felt relieved, which is pathetic, but by not having my phone glued to my hip 24/7, I actually started to pay attention to the world around me and look up when I was walking. The bottom line is, put down your phone and look around you.