I had it figured out. I wasn't going to do the assignment. Cleary my professor was out of touch. Could he really expect us to disconnect completely for an entire day? Plus, how would he ever find out if I didn't actually do it? I was headed to a student government conference in Austin for the weekend and, frankly, journalism class was the furthest thing from my mind.
Much to my chagrin, when unpacking in Austin, I realized that I had left both my iPod and cell phone charger at home. Further, a hotel room internet connection was going to set me back 10 dollars and I didn't have any money. I could almost hear Uncle Rick laughing all the way from Kansas.
Later in the day I came to terms with my situation when I realized that I was in another state, with 60 college students, and a 24 pack. What else does anyone need, I thought.
My realization was about more than beer, however. I knew that separation from my cell-phone, iPod and Facebook would force me to participate in society. Instead of a 60 character text message, I made phone calls. Instead of hooking up to my iPod, I talked to the guy sitting next to me on the bus. And instead of being a Facebook recluse, I spent the night on the town.
While recent technological advances should be credited with many societal gains, after two days without many of them, I now have a better understanding of the importance of disconnecting every now and then for the sake of more personal interaction.
I learned that fast and easy communication isn’t always the best. Real connection with other people shouldn’t be sacrificed for today’s fast passed technology – for text messages and emails. Communication with friends and family is too important to be reduced to those methods.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll make a call instead.