COLUMN: Plugged in and tuned out
I have really begun to observe over the past month and a half how out of tune some of today's generation really is.
I'll be walking around campus and notice someone has their headphones blaring, or they'll be looking down at their phone, undoubtedly text messaging.
I'm not just picking on today's younger people, as this is a problem that has reached vast proportions of multiple age groups.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love technology and think it's an integral aspect of life in the 21st century. But when it affects people in such a way that it limits or flat out prevents them from being aware of their surroundings, it is detrimental to themselves and those around them.
After all, human beings are social creatures by nature, thus technology has unfortunately become a catalyst for less social interaction and a decline in interpersonal skills.
Whatever happened to the days when we would walk down the street in a quaint subdivision or a bustling urban block and say hello to a stranger?
Nowadays, everyone has their phones out texting, tweeting or posting mindless information to Facebook.
Perhaps it's the media that has instilled a sense of fear and apprehension in all of us, so that we shy away from making unnecessary small talk to any passersby.
Either way, things need to change, and it can be done simply by putting away your phone.
Is that text about meeting your "bros" later tonight for a "GTA V" or a "Call of Duty" session really so crucial it must be sent immediately?
You're not on the ground dying. It's not an emergency. We need to reconsider what is truly important and what can wait until later.
Turn to that girl behind you and strike up a conversation with her. And who knows? Maybe you'll make a best friend just by saying hello to a stranger on the sidewalk as you're heading to class.
So, let's all unplug and tune back into reality. I think the world would be a much happier, healthier and friendlier environment if we can take simple measures like this.
