Tackling the tech trial
Written by Ryan McEwan Friday, 13 February 2009 08:00
In last week’s Edge section of The Spectrum, Aaron Skjerseth wrote an article titled “’Real’ men do it with their hands.” It was an article about real men and women existing without “techno-junk” as he referred to it.
I have to admit I was excited to read this daring article, which actually suggested living for a period of time without using “all this technology junk.” What a bold and daring concept! Imagine living without our laptops, cell phones or iPods.
Of course, Skjerseth quickly admitted that everything we use nowadays could be construed as technology. From the invention of fire and the wheel we have been living in a world of technology, so to believe we can live completely technology free is a little crazy.
But is it so crazy to give up the technologies of the later 20th century, the ones that some adults can still go without?
Before I could read any further though, I was struck with dismay to read that “this experiment was dead before it even left my head.” He was giving up? Is it so hard to go without technology that we can’t at least try?
Like most of us, I remember growing up without having a computer in my house. Cell phones were new and expensive, so people had to either call me at home or wait until the next time they saw me to talk to me. And guess what? I survived!
It is not too extreme to think that we can live without technology. Does it make our lives easier? Of course it does.
I can take notes quicker in class and call my family in Ohio while walking home from classes. I can enjoy the latest music from my favorite bands with the simple click of a mouse and if I miss my favorite show I can watch it online the next day.
But are we too addicted to technology? Are we so plugged in that we can’t detach ourselves and live a life free of technology? The author of last week’s article seems to think we are but I would argue otherwise.
Don’t believe me? Prove it with me! Try going a whole week without your laptop. If you have homework to do, use the lab computers at school, but don’t do anything not related to schoolwork.
Go a week without updating your Facebook account and give up listening to music online.
Try not using your car for a whole week. Fargo has a bus system that is free to students. Sure it takes more time but it isn’t impossible to get around, even if you have to transfer from one bus to another.
But it works. Last year I lived in Philadelphia, which admittedly has a much larger public transportation system, but I went the whole year without owning a car.
Not only is it environmentally friendly, but also you can use that time on the bus to read homework or meet someone new.
And I know it is unthinkable, but try giving up your cell phone for a week. Tell your friends it broke and that you won’t get it back for a week.
No pictures, no texting, no phone calls. If you need to make a call, find a landline or use a payphone.
It may seem like a lot but it might also put technology is perspective for us. While technology offers many benefits it can also take away from the real experiences in life.
Do you like playing “Wii Tennis?” Go get a real racket and try it out. Sure you have to wait for warmer weather to really have fun but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
I know it sounds crazy but I can tell you from personal experience it isn’t impossible. It can be done!
People all around the world do it every day! So try it for yourself, be brave and really see how much technology impacts you life. You might be surprised what you find out.
