Technology Memoir Essay Example

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In June 2007, Apple released their revolutionary smartphone that offered a larger screen and an enjoyable user experience. Intrigued by it, I bought one three months later and found myself using it more frequently than any previous phone I owned. As someone who loved reading books, I appreciated having access to abundant information and entertainment at my fingertips. This often led me to lose track of time to the annoyance of my family.

During the initial weeks with my new phone, I became completely absorbed in my own little world and only resurfaced when surrounded by friends. However, one day several weeks after purchasing it, a large group of friends planned to attend our weekly high school football game. Despite usually attending without hesitation before getting the phone, I decided to skip it that day and instead continue watching an intriguing documentary on my phone while lying in bed.

The consequence was spending the entire night fixated on the small screen in my room rather than going out and socializing with my friends like usualThe following day at school, some of my classmates inquired about my absence from the game. Instead of telling the truth, I fabricated an excuse. It appears that I was too ashamed to admit that I opted to stay home and use my phone instead of attending the game. Even though my friends didn't dwell on it, a nagging feeling persisted within me, indicating something was amiss. Then, it suddenly struck me that what I considered as doing myself a "favor" by indulging in my phone actually held no benefits whatsoever. In fact, it had disconnected me from reality and hindered communication

with those around me. Consequently, I resolved that a change was necessary; I couldn't continue shutting others out while allowing myself to be consumed by technology. With the specific intention of solely using my phone for calling, texting, and taking pictures as my previous device allowed, I made the decision to eliminate activities such as browsing the Internet, reading articles, watching videos, and playing games. Although this might seem counterproductive since it initially rendered the purpose of purchasing the phone pointless, I did not plan on adhering to this rule indefinitely; rather, it served as a test to assess its impact on my life - whether positive or negative. During the initial days of implementing this change, difficulties arose especially when alone at home with nothing to occupy myself with. Doubts surfaced regarding why browsing informative articles online would cause any harm. At nightfall,I found myself yearning for my phone and experiencing restless nights. Despite questioning the purpose behind this experiment,I resisted temptation.
Within a week, I noticed positive changes in my phone usage. One morning while eating breakfast, my little brother asked why I wasn't using my new phone. Surprised by his question, I explained that I preferred talking to him before school. We had a pleasant conversation that brought me comfort. My family also noticed and seemed pleased with the fact that I was using my phone less, showing the success of my experiment.

After two weeks, I decided to remove the restrictions on my phone usage as I gained valuable insights from this experience. Challenging myself turned out to be worthwhile as it allowed me to discover the full potential of my phone. However,

I realized the importance of setting limits so that I could remain engaged with others and actively participate in conversations. Therefore, I made a conscious decision to only use my phone when necessary in the presence of others and prioritize more productive activities during alone time.

Looking at the present day, it is fascinating yet somewhat alarming how rapidly technology and social media have evolved. Smartphones have become common and accessible to people from all walks of life due to their affordability. While high-end smartphones can cost around $200, there are also free options available with a two-year contract. These free phones are not low-quality devices;In fact, compared to the first-generation phone I owned in 2007, smartphones today are more advanced. However, when millions of individuals gain access to these devices, a significant issue arises as many become disconnected from reality. Among younger generations, there is a trend to ignore their surroundings and focus on their devices for instant gratification. Personally, I have witnessed this behavior numerous times while dining out - everyone at the table absorbed in their phones instead of interacting with each other.

The prevalence of smartphones and applications constantly demands our attention through various means such as social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, emails, and text messages. This easy access to virtual connections can be disheartening as it gradually diminishes our ability to engage and respect those physically present in the room. Do we really need to stay in constant contact with those who are not physically with us when we have company right in front of us? Can't we postpone reading that article until we're alone?

Observing the increasing reliance on devices,

I am grateful that I learned at a young age how to limit my own usage. This skill has helped me maintain a healthy balance between technology and my personal life.In the midst of technological advancements, it is fascinating to observe how society will change as the younger generation, who have never experienced a life without smart phones, tablets, social media, and similar technologies, age. In this era of progress, my desire is for us as a community to find ways to protect our interpersonal relationships. Without these connections, the world would become an incredibly melancholic place.