Like everyone else living in the 21st century, I love technology. While I couldn’t imagine life without my iPhone, there are certain downsides of always having a digital device in hand. Now, I’m not one of those people that think technology is alienating the human race and making us unable to connect at a deeper level. However, I definitely think that in some situations being constantly connected can have its drawbacks.
1. Not living in the moment
Thanks to social media, people have the opportunity to document every waking moment of their lives. For people my age, this seems to be especially tempting. Social media is a good way to easily connect with friends, but sometimes, taking that snap chat story or constantly checking Twitter might not be worth it. Now it seems like that party, concert, or sports game isn’t worth going to unless you make a snap story or post a pic on Instagram to show others how much fun you’re having. If you’re short or easily annoyed like me, there’s nothing worse than trying to see the stage at a concert where hundreds of people in front of you are holding up their phones to record it and blocking your already limited view. And phones are one thing, but if you’re the jackass in the crowd holding an iPad, I can guarantee that everyone standing behind you would like nothing more than to take your iPad from you and smash it. Now, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few videos or snaps, but overdoing it is annoying both in real life and to your followers. No one wants to watch a 10 minute snap story. Take a break and live in the moment.
2. Taking 500 selfies
Like social media, there’s nothing wrong with taking selfies in moderation. Actually, if you’re just taking them alone in the comfort of your own home, take as many as you want. However, when in public and featuring your friends, try not to spend all your time at the party taking selfies. If you haven’t captured the perfect picture the first five to ten times you try, your selfie game just isn’t working for you that day. Try again later.
3. Knowing what everyone is doing 24/7
Having insight to what everyone is doing 24/7 seems great until you become obsessed with seeing what other people are doing. You constantly check your phone, searching for updates on other people's lives, which increases FOMO and just generally keeps you from enjoying your own life.
4. Impatience
With all of this technology at our fingertips, it makes us more impatient to find out information. We expect to have answers to our questions immediately. It also makes waiting for texts excruciating, because we know that everyone has their phones on them at all times. But nothing is worse than a tweet but no text back.
5. Conversations
While I still don’t believe that technology is destroying the fabric of society, sometimes it can be more difficult to talk to people because of technology. I’ve been guilty of getting distracted by my phone when people are talking to me. Technology greatly improves our lives, but sometimes, taking a step back is important.
