Technology is a blessing and a curse. Just twenty mere years ago, things were so different (cellphones were bricks)- I can't even imagine 50 or 100 years ago. It has brought us so many good things (like online ordering for Chipotle & Starbucks), and unfortunately a few bad things, like cyberterrorism (extreme, I know) and our lovely friends who can't sit at a restaurant or bar with us without continuously staring down at their six-inch screen (Hello!! I'm only a few inches away!! Pay attention to me, a real person!!)
How many of you have been personally victimized by a one-sided conversation due to your best friend or sister or whoever being more invested in what's going on in his/her IPhone (or Android...) screen? *raises hand* I'm not saying I've never done that. It's 2016 and I've had a cell phone for about eight years now; I've definitely been a culprit to this annoying social crime. But it sucks, right?!
Why are we like this? Why are we all so caught up with things in a virtual world when we have great things going on right in front of us? Why are you having 100, meaningless, empty conversations, or scrolling through 75 people's photos when your best friend, or mom, or boyfriend is right in front of you? It's rude. It's a bad habit that so many people in my generation have and it needs to go away. I drove home from the movies last night with my sister in the passenger seat, and she did not put her phone down one time. The few words she did speak (to which I did not respond, because I refuse) were about a stupid Pokemon game. Total BS if you ask me. Don't mean to call you out, Sis, but come on! We've all done it, and unfortunately, I don't see it getting better in the future since technology is only evolving more and more each day.
I've written on this topic multiple times in the past and I'm writing about it again: we need to be present. Live in the moment. Tell whoever you're texting you'll talk to them later 'cause you promised your best friend a brunch date. "Like" Instagram pictures when you're home doing nothing. Tweet while you're waiting for your professor to walk into the classroom (unless something funny happens, then go ahead). We all know how utterly obnoxious it is to sit in a car, basically forced mute because your passenger doesn't give a shit about you and just wants to text other people. Or how annoying it is when you say a *funny* story over drinks and apps and whoever you're with doesn't even remember you're at the same table.
I guess just take a moment to realize how crappy it feels when you've been in that situation, and how many times you've done that to someone- even if you didn't realize it. Your phone isn't going anywhere, but the moment is. Oh I like that. Feel free to quote me. Put your phone in your bag (or your pocket if you're a man) and appreciate the moment. Appreciate life!! Whether it's a Sunday brunch, a long car ride, or Panera with a classmate in between class, give life and your friends and people the attention they deserve. Be present. I can't stress that enough. The next time you catch yourself giving your 6-inch screen more attention than your bff or your bf, take a second, click the lock button, and have a real life conversation.
I'm done ranting- for now.
NG
