Several days ago, Ms. Murphy asked our World History class to attempt to go two hours without modern technology. I managed to go the full two hours without it despite my typical frequent use of it. I started at 5:52 PM and finished at 7:52 PM. Before starting, I felt as if going a full two hours would be a very difficult task without modern devices, but soon discovered it all was not too strenuous. I spent my time doing my homework at the table and playing the piano and it flew by relatively quickly. However, I did resist a few urges to turn on the computer or my iPod. My urges quickly dispersed.
After spending time without the use of modern technology, I realized how easy it is to turn off the television and computer for a while and to find other things to do not involving electricity (or, rather the modern use of it). Although I cannot see how I could ever manage to survive in a world without modern technology, such as the world of the past, I now find it relatively easy to go a few hours without it. I believe it’s necessary for everyone to take time and focus away from modern technology and its distractions and relax and have some “quiet time.” At times, a constant connection with everyone you know and all the news in the world simultaneously can induce stress in one’s life. If one's cell phone seems to be constantly ringing and they are is getting annoyed, shutting it off for a few hours might be the antidote. If one is spending hours on the computer (like I typically do), shutting it off for a while and finding something else to do can allow one’s mind to shift focus and rest, away from constant stressors.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you and how after doing the two hours without technology, it is much easier to just turn the TV off or put the computer down and just use your imagination to just branch off. During my two hours of no technology, I played outside with things like football, basketball, and baseball. I find that when I don’t want to use technology at all, I just play sports. I find that it makes the time go by much faster. I also understand when you said that you had urges to pick up a piece of technology but you had to force yourself away from the computer or cell phone. I also found myself involuntarily picking up things like that because I use them in my every day life.