Can you imagine your world without smart phones, social media, or internet all together? For one 24 hour period on the first Friday in March thousands of people around the globe went off the grid to experience life beyond the tech world, this year it ironically lands in the same week the internet turns 25. This movement was started in 2002 by a nonprofit group called Reboot that created the event based on the Sabbath Manifesto. A modern day interpretation of Jewish values to take one day a week to relax, reflect, and spend time with loved ones. But the National Day of Unplugging goes far beyond the Jewish community and has become a global event. On the National Day of Unplugging website participants can post pictures of reasons they unplug that include answers that may surprise.
“I unplug to focus on the faces in front of me”
“I unplug to reconnect in person”
“I unplug to stay sane”
These answers bring light to the purpose of the day; the role technology really plays in modern day life. Nearly every part of today’s world is affected by technology. No doubt technology has made incredible advances, saved lives, and all together bettered tools for everyday life. But when we look at some of its effects on people’s lives, it brings into question how often we should use such resources. Social media and phones keep us connected to friends people we care about, yet they are also very isolating. Does this enhance connections that are made or hinder real life relationship? Even when person interaction is happening many turn to their devices. Few have not observed an interaction where one if not every person in on their phone. Technology cannot only have negative effects on social life but can result in stress, distraction, and shortened attention spans.
A college student attending California State University was reported missing by her friend when she stopped responding to her phone. It turns out she was just looking for some time alone. This event shows that we have literally become our devices. When they are not active apparently neither are we. While the National Day of Unplugging does bring into question how technology affects our lives, it would be best to see for yourself how much technology is integrated into your life. The question really is what would you unplug a day for?