Ode to Technology

For one of my classes this semester I had to 'give-up' some forms of technology. It was for us to choose what to let go of for a five days (M-F). I had originally thought that I would give-up internet or Facebook but then realized with a budding 1,000 friendship, that might not be the best thing to do. But I knew that I had to give-up something that would leave a lasting impression via this experience. Thus I gave-up two things. 1. Television (this included streaming shows and news online) and 2. I said "no" to my smartphone. The funny thing is, I was so caught-up in figuring out what with give-up that I totally forgot about prepping the people who rely on contacting me via my phone and streaming work issues while away from the office. So, needless to say, I'm coming into work earlier so I don't miss anything and, well, the folks got a long-winded call at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday letting them know that they can reach me in a week.

I do have to say there have only been a few things that I have taken away from the experience thus far:

1. I feel (info) naked when I can't watch the morning news
2. Lack of info hasn't driven me to other sources of info yet (I always was a print/internet/tv/streaming combo kind of gal)
3. I miss the 'relaxing' hour I have with tv when I get home but don't really miss it as I'm busy with work and/or school
4. I miss my alarm clock on my phone the most

For as chatty as I am, I'm not a big pick-up the phone and chat for hours type of gal. This stopped after my elementary school best friend and I got over smelly-socks and 4-H jokes. We only had to dial 7 digits back then to call each other. It really has been that long. I find that I don't over-rely on any one form of technology for things. Perhaps the internet would be the winner of that argument but since I'm required to use it for work, it wasn't practical for this assignment.

But since I'm thinking about it... what would I do if I didn't have the internet?

Read and cook more. At least that's what I assume. Though, I can honestly say that I cook 2/3's + of my own meals and find that I spend at least 6 hours a day reading between books, journals, internet, etc. so would cutting internet access really help? Hrm... maybe it would help me foster better communication? Okay, I can say, yes and no to this. Yes, as it would force me to VERBALLY connect with people more but no because if it hadn't been for the internet, it would have been highly unlikely that I would be back in communication with some great people from days gone by.

So I wonder aloud, has technology really been for the better when it comes to my life? I think so. But I wouldn't mind cutting back on my dependence on it if it means I'll get a little more out of life.

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