Technology is a wonderful tool, but so many millennials in this generation may be becoming so dependent on technology that they’re letting it control their lives. As a member of the millennial generation, I am saddened by how many lives are negatively affected due to technology.

Technology in relationships. What happened to talking face-to-face? Technology is slowly taking over in the world of dating. Instead of having face-to-face conversations, the millennials in this generation are relying on dating by hiding behind a computer or phone. Texting, snap chatting, and creeping on social media shouldn’t be how we get to know someone we might want to spend the rest of our lives with. I’ve had a boyfriend for five years now. Yes, we snap chat, text, and sometimes communicate with pictures or videos via social media; however, we do not let technology or social media control our relationship. We may be a part of the millennial generation, but our relationship reflects that of an older generation.

Technology during mealtime. I come from a family with a strong belief in spending time together. Due to this, I grew up with the rule “no phones at the dinner table.” Growing up, I hated this rule with a passion, but now that I am older and more understanding, I firmly believe in this rule. In fact, my roommate and I set our phones aside when we eat dinner together. Kids are busy these days, so it is important to set aside time to talk as a family. Technology shouldn’t get in the way of this.

Technology at night. Did you know that many kids lie awake at night texting or surfing the web? Those same kids arrive at school tired and barely able to stay awake. Although I’m in the same generation as these kids, I can proudly say I have never arrived at school tired because of technology. In fact, since the day I got my phone, my parents had the rule that phones were put in the kitchen before bed. This prevented technology from becoming a late night distraction for me and my sister.

Technology and jobs. Millennials in this generation are unaware that images, pictures, and words they put on social media always stay somewhere on the web. The carelessness these millennials have often hinders them from getting a job. Posting inappropriate images or videos along with sentences containing vulgar language probably isn’t something potential employers see as a strength.

Technology and bullying. Because most people in the previous generation don’t have access to social media, many people in the millennial generation are getting away with bullying via social media. Social media can be a great tool, but not when others are being publicly humiliated through it. Social media causes rumors to spread like wildfire and causes people to form opinions without actually knowing someone. Or the facts. Millennials in this generation need to think before they tweet.

I am proud to say that as a member of the millennial generation, I have not fallen prey to the stereotype that lies behind technology. I only wish that others in this generation would use technology as the powerful tool that it can be but not as a detrimental tool to hurt themselves and our society. Technology shouldn’t control anyone’s life.