Hi all. Well, you are probably reading this on your phone, maybe your tablet, or even your laptop. Don’t put your device down yet, just read this.

Have you ever thought about what life would be life without a smart phone in your hands on a daily basis? Maybe people would actually listen to what you have say instead of getting distracted by a funny snapchat or text. Maybe you would physically have to talk the people you want in your life instead of sending them cute kissy face emojis all night long. Maybe people wouldn’t be so distracted with their social media selves and instead focus on the people they actually are.

It’s 2016. Cell phones are taking over our generations and the generations to come more than ever before. We are lacking the communication skills our parents and grandparents had. We are so distracted by social media that we forget about the ACTUAL people around us. It’s time to change are we are the only ones who can do it.

Next time you attend a concert, shut your phone off. To be honest, nobody cares about the billion snap stories you want to post from the concert. They might be really cool to you, but are you really taking in the atmosphere when you are focusing on your phone? Instead, have fun with the people around you and fully take in the music.

Next time you sit down for lunch with your friends, do not pull out your phone. Have conversations with the people around you. People would much rather have your full and undivided attention than the constant battle between you and the person your texting. The people on your phone can wait.

Next time you go to class, put your phone on airplane mode. Sure, I get it, you want to know the time, but don’t get distracted by everything else. Being distracted by multiple things will not help you learn at all. If you don’t enjoy class, find a way to enjoy it. Your test scores will probably go shooting through the roof.

Next time you go home, keep your phone in your bag for a while. Enjoy your time at home because you probably don’t get to be there often enough. There is only so much time in this world and you have to decided how you want to spend it.

So here’s my challenge to you: just be capable of walking away from your phone. I don’t care if you don’t do any of these things, but people around you might.