Assignment #3 (2008)
Posted by: heritage47 on: May 7, 2008
Wow, people! I am impressed–really impressed. You have made so many great points. EmmaH, KendallB, LeslieB, etc., etc.–I mean if you haven’t read what some of your classmates are saying, you should give it a look. Read TaylorS’s, at least. I mean who hasn’t had that conversation with someone half tuned in, half tuned out? It’s like talking to Mildred from Fahrenheit 451, or teaching a number of technologized kids in 2008, for that matter. Who hasn’t been that person, half tuned in, half tuned out? Yes, guilty as charged.
Let’s turn today to the idea of “nature.” Collin said he “naturally” turned to this or that technology. A number of you said that you would perfunctorily turn this or that device on, press that button, click this link (Faith’s first blog where she is trying to resist clicking onto email–that was hilarious). Cole says he “routinely” listens to his ipod and watches TV at the same time. A couple of you made the point that the tech turnoff is basically unreasonable because you were born and raised in the world of these technologies–not quite like your parents or grandparents. Well, let’s think about it a little more. What is this “nature”–this “instinct”? Is it truly our nature? How has it come to be the way it is? And at what cost? What do you think man’s “nature” was prior to these technologies? What is it now? You have heard me say, “Continual availability is continual shallowness,” whenever I find you playing with some gadget in my classroom. Are we becoming Lenina in Brave New World? Hmm, let’s see, here’s the question, in fine, I guess:
How have your mental and physical habits changed during the tech. turnoff, and what do you think would be the effect, good or bad, if you continued to discipline yourself in this way? In other words, I am asking you to look at the effect of these technologies on yourselves, rather than at whether or not they help you create and build quality relationships with others. (Those of you who have not successfully observed the turnoff, your answer will simply have a little more imagination than the others–just a little more.)
Keep up the good work! It’s hump day today. Those of you who have successfully unplugged yourselves, bravi! Those of you who have not, that’s ok. But try to get better over the last five days here. Only five days more! Good luck. Mr. D
38 Responses to "Assignment #3 (2008)"
May 7, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I think that we ARE becoming more tech independant, just like we are SOOOOO freaking independant on everything else in this world… cars, gas, ect. So by having the need for tech constantly be in our lives, we have adjusted to the fact that everything comes so easily, and we get frustrated and give up when we actually have to use our brains. So, I think that the natural tech instinct is us wanting to make life easier. Way back in the early ages, this was not how our ancestors lived, its a shame that we are becoming the corrupt generations. My mom still has an old fashioned camera, and I think that the fact she still has held onto her roots is cool.
Without the tech there is more time for everything. Im staying at a friends house and I love getting to know her family, although they are addicted to the computer ha ha.
May 7, 2008 at 8:01 pm
So far during the turnoff, I have been at work a lot, which has made it a lot easier. I think boredom is what leads so many of us to use technologies such as television, texting, and just surfing the internet. Besides work, I’ve been keeping myself busy by working out more, and mostly just hanging out with friends.
I have definitely not been 100% unplugged the last 5 days, however. I still find myself listening to my ipod or replying to a text without even realizing that I’m supposed to be going without these things. At this point in my life, some things (such as listening to my ipod or texting) have simply become routine.
Overall, I don’t think the turnoff has had much of an effect on me yet, because I’ve been working so much. I’m expecting to notice it more over the next few days when I find myself at home looking for something to do.
May 7, 2008 at 8:26 pm
The very first day of the turn off i still had my mp3 on me so i went to turn it on the second the bell rang. Then i stopped, giggled, and went to class. And i think it was the same day i sat down on the couch, and i think i just went to move the remote out of my way, but ended up trying to turn the tv anways. Lucky for me my remote is awful and it didn’t come on.
Those are the only 2 cases i have of natural or instictive reactions to technology.
I’m still mentally and physically the same because as i said before these technologies weren’t too big a part of my life to begin with. But i do find myself not calling a few certain people because i know that all they’ll want to do it play Super Smash Bros or GTAIV. Both i would like to do. But i feel like, why not do the 10 days. I did make the decision the other day though that i’m going to start widdeling. Carry around a pocket knife. Find some wood. Make bear. Call it good.
And i think my counts gone up to about 20 cds a day. and about 30 or so comics a day. X-Men are amazing. Nightcrawler will rock you.
May 7, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Well during this tech turn off I have really been busy with doing homework and working. At work we arent aloud to listen to anything so I have had no distraction there, but when truning on the computer my hand autmatically reaches for the tv. It has been difficult to face this urge, but I believe it has been good for me. I have been able to concentrate harder on my work. I have been tempted to turn on the television and once or twice my hands had failed me, but not for too long. My relationships with my family isnt closer because we are already close, but we also are never together during the week because we all work. I believe that it is natural. I do not believe that reaching for the tv is an instinct. Not all of us were raised to turn on the tv when we were bored.
May 7, 2008 at 9:56 pm
With out these technologies I am aware of my mental and physical being. I feel that always being plugged in and always being available makes us less aware of who we are as an individual and that we associate our thoughts and our selfs with those of other people.
How many times has there been when teacher asks you to raise your hand for which ever thing she/he says applies to you. Do you branch out and do the one that fits you best, or do you wait and see which one has more people …and side with them.
In reality we are becoming a community of vast comforitism. You say I don’t care what people think about me, I’m not like everyone else! But are we really unique? Do we think, feel, react in the same ways. If someone pushed you would you wonder who it is or why they did that? Chances are everyone would.
Our TV’s, MP3’s, cell phones–etc. have made us into each other. It has molded us into thinking the same or very close to the same thing. We see something flashy and new, it’s exciting and you gotta have it. Guess what? Everyone wants that same new flashy thing. Then they go and play with this new flashy thing and everyone is thinking wow I love me new flashy thing. Then you go to school and tell all your friends about this amazing flashy thing, and then they have to go and get one too. It’s a cycle, of always wanting everything that everyone else has. Fades, trend, originality? Uh no.
In the old days where they didn’t have as many flashy products we do; I feel that they were much more thoughtful, interested, they had original thought. They wouldn’t fall asleep in class because they were watching the newest episode of The Hills or some nonsense like that. No–no–no, these older wiser people were awake in their classes because hey what’s there to do when no one has a TV.
I think that older citizens have a great passion then we do today. Back then there wasn’t much to do but to get interested in something. Ah ha theres the passion that we today are lacking from life. I mean if someone back then was interested in let’s say stars, they aren’t going to wait a few years for someone to hand them the information. No, they are going to read into it, lay out and watch them, learn because they are interested and passionate about it.
May 7, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I’m slowly turning these technologies off.
The more I cut out the more I realize how much time I have been wasting! If I could completely rid my lifestyle from these distractions I would have no problem completing the work I need to get done or get outside and do something fun!
This whole thing really makes me want summer more!!!!! gah!
Oh! and you were right D! BNW is probably the best book I have read for school!
See you Friday!
May 7, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Since the tech turn off i have been able to focus more on my homework, and my training.. i am in the weight room everyday, i run everyday, and i go to my dojo every day (even saturday) so this has helped me keep focus on what is actually important and what isn’t.
I do, however, find this to be very easy because although i do use most of these things, i grew up around a family that communicated through talking and getting out and around. not just sit there and depend on things to help us get out..
May 7, 2008 at 10:47 pm
It is hard to say at this point in time the effects of the technology turn off. I have spent time studying rather than watching T.V or playing video games. Because of this my activity level remains low, sitting in a chair flipping through pages upon pages of notes and explanations.
If it was not AP testing week, say it were summer, I would deffinatley spend more time outdoors, try out kayaking, or throwing a boomerang that I have had lying around in my room. With the little free time I have now however, I have spent time hanging out with my friends, driving around, making paper airplanes. I think it would be a good habit to limit the amount of technology I use in everyday life in hopes of becoming more active.
To the point about technology being our “nature” or “instinct”. I believe it is, technology has just advanced, and taken a different path over time. Back in the times of hunter-gatherer civilization technology was implemented to make their lives easier. Weapons developed and were refined and eventually methods of harvest, and harvesting equipment came about also. This is technology at its’ basic level.
May 7, 2008 at 10:55 pm
This turn off has gotten me out of the house a bit. I don’t really use any of these technologies much, but I have seen some difference. I have gone out to the park almost everyday and have really enjoyed my time there. I get to do something I like, such as playing soccer and running, and a work out at the same time. I have found out that my days are a more relaxed now and that I dont rush as much as I use to. I think about helping my mom and dad around the house more, instead of going for the tv, which is something I enjoy, but don’t do frequently. Painting and drawing also have a part in my life, and I get to do these things as well now. I even have time to play my guitar more than before.
I think that I would be able to enjoy myself more and cherish every moment I have in a greater way. Life to me would have more meaning and value. Getting out and having fun is better than watching tv, playing games, texting, and using the internet to communicate.
May 7, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I believe that this generation “naturally” turns to technology not because we grew up with it, but because it is our comfort. Moreover, we are so afraid of change and of the “unknown,” that we constantly like to have these comforts around. Like Mr. D said in class, we get excited when the teachers show movies in class because it is something we can relate to, and we can avoid the unknown. I don’t know if this totally correct, but its just an idea to think about…
May 7, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Hum. Well I must say, it’s been getting progressivly harder to stay away from the technologies and whatnot. Kind of can’t-have-it-so-now-I-want-it kind of thing. I’m starting to run out of books. -_- I’ve got one more to read after I’m done with the one I’m working on. And I’ve already made a bookstore/library run once this week. Methinks that’s not a good sign, unless you’re wanting us to clean out all the local bookstores.
I dunno, I suppose there’s always writing and art and whatnot… only problem is, it’s gotten to the point where I no longer like writeing out my stories. I prefer typeing them. -_- It’s the whole transfer process, methinks. Everything written by hand needs to be typed up later anyway, so it’s like, why bother handwriting it in the first place?
And no, don’t think that atuomatically turning on technologies is our nature. Just ridiculously powerful habits. Everyone has their own routines. You get up, you do this, then that and whatnot, and it’s usually the same every morning, unless something interrupts it. So yes, I think the human race is still redeemable, if you want to put it in those terms.
As far as the cost of becomeing what we are, well, it’s really self evident. In so called ‘civilized countries’ suicide rates are higher than ever. In the end, you dont have to look all that much further to see trends of declineing happiness and increasing crime.
Our nature in the past was to struggle, to survive. Countless books and works of literature touch on the subject. Humans are as hard to kill as cockroaches. Or at least, we like to pretend in our brains that we are, and we’ll fight to the end anyway. Now, though, there’s nothing left to struggle against. In general terms, I mean. Humans define themselves by the hardships that they have endured and overcome. It’s the act of overcoming obsticals that give us our value. With nothing really left worth defeating, we find ourselves without a purpose.
And now that I sound way too much like some overdone essay debateing the merits of humanity, methinks it’s time to move on.
Mental and physical habbits. Hum. How have they changed? Well that’s a good question. I dont really know. I guess… I’m listening more. I mean, listening further than music or tv. I’m listening to what people mean, not what they say. And even within the music on the radio or in the dialog between book characters that plays out in my head. I guess you could say that for a change I’ve stopped filling my head with white noise and started listening to the truth.
I’ll be honest, it’s freaking uncomfortable. I was talking to my grandpa… The one I just met earlier this week, you could say. He was an alcoholic. But now, he’s come back. I can only assume that he has, I dont think I ever knew what he was like before he turned to the bottle. Most of what was said was joking. I mean, what else would you expect from a man who keeps a fork in his pocket and carries around a blanket covered in cherries? He’s a real clown, in the end. It was as light of heart as I’ve ever heard him. But beyond the jokes, there was fear, and worry, and I think, a little regret. But then, I suppose cancer can make anyone afraid.
The point of that little bit was partly for my own sanity (I think better in words on paper), and partly to make a point. There’s always deeper meaning. Even in books you dont enjoy, or in lyrics that you dont count as music (because rap is not music, it’s talking) there’s something worth saying. Something more powerful and more profound than most of the BS that we write daily for school work or for resumes and applications for jobs and whatnot. I think we just miss it, most of the time.
But you know what’s sad? That it took ripping away a bunch of our ‘entertainment’ and ‘luxurys” to leave enough space to realize it at a deeped level than basic comprehension.
That was rambling. Apologies.
Back to the subject of change.
I actually stopped and smelled a real flower today. A lilac that was just blooming. You know, everyone says that if you dont have time to stop and smell the flowers that you’re too busy. But no one smells flowers any more, aside from children and gardeners.
Hum. Reading back over all of the above, that sounds super rambly and pensive. Methinks, though, that I’ll make you put up with it anyhow. There’s at least one of you (probably the furry one) that’s insane enough to read through all of that, and think at least some of it was aproaching something important.
–Kori
May 8, 2008 at 1:12 am
I wouldn’t say technology is really our nature, more our habit. The unreasonableness to me behind the tech turnoff is that we are so used to doing something that it is really hard to stop. Now that I think of it, for a lot of people this habit has turned into an addiction too. I’m pretty sure that most Heritage students are addicted to texting. Ask all of them to stop, and they would find the action too habitual to stop.
Overall, I think that man’s nature is really just what he has been raised knowing. Our generation has grown up with all these new technologies. I think that past generations have been raised on the idea of valuing family and relationships. Unfortunately, now that we have so many new technologies today, our relationships greatly suffer.
I guess we all are pretty much becoming Lenina. Not on purpose I don’t think, but the technologies we use are kind of brainwashing us into doing what society tells us to do.(buy stuff, use stuff, trash stuff, get new stuff)
I think I have become angrier since I stopped watching TV. That sounds weird, but I think watching TV helps me relieve some short term stress. Hopefully if I continue this I will become a less angry person, I guess? Physically, I’m still really tired a lot of the time. I think long term, pulling the plug on technology would give me some more energy though, because I would get more sleep.
Now that I think of it, these technologies have helped shape the person I am. That’s probably a bad thing for the most part, because mostly I am just being entertained. I’m having a tough time completely staying unplugged. I seem to be coming up with a lot of legitimate reasons why I need to use something, like the internet. Mostly, it has just been school related, so what can you do I guess.
May 8, 2008 at 1:22 am
this question is applicable to the brave new world, it is not merely human nature to use these technology’s, we have been conditioned at birth to use these technology’s constantly, not in the literal sense of the brave new world but how our parents raised us, what do you get for your birth day? a new cell phone, a ps2, a TV for your room, a video game, a computer, an ipod. thats just currently for us while we are teenagers, ive seen the new parents at target their 4 yr old son is cradling halo like its the most precious gem in the universe or is begging mommy or daddy for this movie or that game or an i pod touch, most of the time they get them to. so basically we are unconsciously taught that this is what to buy to have fun or this is what to get to serve as a distraction or that its ok to spend 12 hours strait playing a video game, that its ok to use these little technology’s 24-7 almost non stop.
i think that these technologys for me at least serve as a distraction at my home life, id rather be hanging out with friends and doing stuff with them, but whenever i cant do that i play a video game and listen to music, and surf myspace, i also think they make me somewhat of a hermit, i rarely leave my house to go out side and enjoy the weather. whats weird though is that they have taught me patience, one simply cant become a lvl 70 night elf hunter with epic armor and weapons all enchanted with the necessary attribute boosts in one day. or in the instance of medieval total war 2 one cannot take over the world in a day, it takes time. you have to do it little by little. so i guess thats why when i focus on something i can do that one thing for hours on end, where as my sister was conditioned with tv, and movies, and she simply cant do one thing for more than an hour. perhaps this means that with the right technology conditioning something good could come of it, rather than something bad.
May 8, 2008 at 2:11 am
Today I have failed the tech turnoff cause the weather sucks! I was doing really good up until the bad weather. I would have to say that I was doing more things outside and putting more checks next to the things I’ve needed to get done. I have also been cathcing up on sleep because I’ll have nothing else to do so i’ll just take a nap or go to bed early. It’s actually been nice. However, today it’s been hard to stay away from watching tv; all cloudy and rainy. And I’ve been texting still, but I’ve been on the phone a lot more. I honestly don’t understand the difference from talking on the phone and texting though…texting just keeps the conversation going I feel like. Even when I’m on the phone with my dad, I have awkward pauses with him so I just think texting is more comfortable now. Maybe that’s a bad thing, maybe it’s a good thing, but that’s just how I feel. I think my mental and physical habits haven’t been changed completely cause I really don’t think I’m too addicted, but like I said before I failed today and hopefully the weather will get nice and warm again!
May 8, 2008 at 3:00 am
Like Melissa said ive been trying to do homework more… which doesnt take very much. But i have been outside a lot more. The only problem with that is my allergies are really bad this time of year and i cant stay out for long so i have to come inside and thats when i become bored. It is very hard to be sick inside and not use any of the technolgy. I have been a little bit better about keeping everything off. There are still a couple times that i have gone inside and just sat down in front of my TV. My TV is on almost 24/7 in my house because i have three siblings and my parents, so someone is almosty always watching something.
As for technology just being a part of our lives, i beleive that this is only because this is what we grew up with. It all really ties back into Brave New World (which im sure is not a coincidence). But it really proves how we are moving toward their world and i dont know if there is any way to stop it. Because just like in the book, we dont have the choice to choose what we do when we are younger, therefore our habits a started way before we have the brain capacity to smother them. It is kind of a comfort to be able to get on the computer now and type this which is only proving your point to the utmost extent…
May 8, 2008 at 3:07 am
Like melissa i was surprised to see that i can still keep myself busy during the day. Since monday when school started it’s been a lot easier but find that I dont procrastinate and get my homework done in like an hour which is nice. With the free time I get from this I either go to the gym or play cards with my sister.
I think these technologies tend to create an environment for me in which I do the same things everyday such as watching tv when I get home. Now I am forced to find different things to do such as playing cards, things that i forgot how much I enjoy doing so that’s pretty cool.
May 8, 2008 at 3:12 am
Well, I guess it isn’t really our “nature” to use these things, but we have been raised with them. People lived without technology for generations and somehow survived, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to as well, right?
Since the turn-off I find myself just sitting until I think of someway to occupy my time. I’ve been going to bed a lot earlier and reading much more. Unfortunately I haven’t motivated myself to clean, but i’m sure that’ll come with time. The funny thing is, that when I get started on one of these little projects I get totally engrossed in it and I almost forget that the TV’s right next to me or that my cell phone is buzzing constantly.
May 8, 2008 at 3:30 am
Since we started the turnoff, I have done a lot more physical activities. I have gone to the gym a lot more to stay active and to get away from the technologies we are banded from. I have noticed that by not watching so much tv, I am not munching on snacks on much as I used to. This tech turnoff has really helped me change my eating and working out habits. I think that once the turnoff is over that I will try to limit my tv/movie watching, because I do that a lot– it has been sort of hard with the tv, but not to bad.
I think that people are naturally turning to these technologies, because that is all that we have really known. You grow up watching cartoons. Then later on up until now we go to school, come home maybe do our homework, or do it while we watch tv. By doing this we aren’t really living our lives to the fullest. We aren’t interacting with people on a personal level like they used to. technology is GREAT, but we have to be careful!
May 8, 2008 at 3:45 am
Mans nature has drastically changed from the 1920’s to today, but it has evolved just like organisms. Our lives change and our bodies and minds change due to what is happening in the world around us. In the Brave New World they also had evolved with that of science, technology etc. This is what makes us wonder whether we have free will or not. The only answer that I found in these questions is that we are able to shape our own minds but not without the influence of those around us. For example: Today a new fashion is the straight legged jeans. All of the celebs and models wear the straight legged jeans just like the models of the 1990’s wore the pants with the high rise. Now I think both of these fashions are ugly and I refuse to wear jeans unless they have a flare because nothing else looks appealing to my eyes… This is a conscience choice I have made, with the influences of icons and friends around me but I have still made my own choice. This has alot to do with technology. Both of my parents know how to text and use it on a daily basis. But many of people from their generation (especially those without a younger influence in their life) choose not to learn how to text. People may tell them “but everyone is doing it” and try to persuade them, but they are stuck in their old ways. This is also a conscience choose made by those surrounded by extreme influences. This is how Mental and physical habits are influenced, changed, and shaped.
May 8, 2008 at 3:48 am
I think that we have been taught to live around these technologies because everyday life revolves around them. Older generations may not have grown up with their lives centered around these technologies, but they have carefully taught their children to live by them. For example, I was babysitting some kids the other night, and I asked the parents if there were any specific rules the kids should abide by, and the mother answered me that as long as they didn’t watch anything to gory or horrorish, then the kids were fine to watch tv all night–as long as it was appropriate. I took care of those kids for close to four hours, and sure enough all three of them sat in front of the tv the entire time!!! I think the kids moved only once or twice because they had to change their positions to get a better view of the tv. How sad that our generation and the next have been taught that watching tv is much more important than actually using our brains. Therefore, I think kids are taught to “naturally” turn to these technologies.
So far in this tech turn off, I have become more physically active–I see the sun a lot more from the outside then through a window while I wait for the tv or computer to get done and back to the thing I’m working on at the moment. Consequently, my mental activity has picked up considerably–during class I actually respond to the teacher instead of just sitting there like a lump on a log!!
If I continued on this road of less technology and a little more human in my life I think things would change for the better. These days I have found that I still have friends from long ago–not just the ones from school. I have renewed old friendships and I have actually built on some of the present ones. So, the effect of turning off technology is totally beneficial personally because I have accomplished so much in the few days of this experiment. I have even begun to talk and understand my sister a little better–which, lets face it, can be so taxing sometimes!!
May 8, 2008 at 3:51 am
This turnoff has made me look for other options outside, and because it’s so nice outside recently (today partially excluded) it hasn’t been that hard. I’ve actually talked to my friends more, in person, and had a better relationship with my parents. I’ve realized that I get more accomplished without the distractions, homework and whatnot. Mr. D, you mentioned that you were able to sleep better without all this tech “stuff”, well i have had the same experience. I actually go to bed at a reasonable hour and sleep harder in that time than i normally do.
May 8, 2008 at 4:00 am
So far, a lack of technology hasn’t really affected me too much. I think I would have to avoid these things for a much longer period of time to really get a good idea of what it’s like not having these technological conveniences. I’m sure this would be a good thing, but in some ways, it’s unnecessary.
Basically, these technologies provide instant gratification, and conditioning to that kind of an expectation can definately have a negative affect. This doesn’t mean that we should not take advantage of those opportunities though. As long as you are aware of what you are dealing with, you can make anything worth while.
The problem arises when people become passively submissive to the lifestyle technology provides, and develop a habit of “naturally” using these technologies. If your primary instinct is to instantly gratify every little desire using technology, while being completely unnaware of the alternatives and the psychological outcome, a break from these conveniences is just what you need.
Awareness is key. If you view technology as a tool and not a way of life, the affect that it will have on you will be basically positive.
May 8, 2008 at 4:07 am
my habits have changed, as apposed to playing the guitar while watching the tv or going on the internet i just do it on its own,(way more boring, but still good) but i do “naturally” do technology related activities, you know when ur driving and all of a sudden its 20 min later than you thought it was and ur 30 miles away from your house. its like “how did that happen.” this is a form of hypnosis. i do that with a computer, i can check 10 sites without realizing i had (i still remember it all but dont remember doing it) we have almost literally been “Hypnopædia-ed” into using technology. not that im saying its a bad thing, but its to a degree in our subconscious to go and see if anyones posted a comment or see a new youtube movie.
May 8, 2008 at 1:57 pm
i think that we have been raised to want every emprovement to any item on the face off the earth. for instance if a new gaming system comes out that has better grafic we want it just to say we’ve experienced it. but all this new tech. only makes us more dependent. it gives us one more thing to be destracted by. im not going to lie i have said to my mom hold on i’m playing a game or hold on its almost over. but i dont know why i thought that the fiction reality seemed more important to me than the real live situation that i was in. i think that tech. is not only a constant destraction but it constant availibility stop as from living real life. i have found that the more tech i take away the easier it is to stay away if not be repeled by the idea of certain tech devices
May 8, 2008 at 2:14 pm
This question that you’re posing comes down to the basic principle of nature versus nurture. As far as I can tell, humans are not genetically programmed to require or even crave technology. Babies don’t cry because they want an updated iPod for their first birthday- they cry because they are hungry or tired. The strong desire that we all as humans feel for technology is not instinctual on a biological level. I personally believe that calling the use of technologies “natural” is, for lack of a better term, a joke.
That’s not to say that we haven’t been nurtured to love technology. I believe that we have been nurtured to the point of believing that it is “natural” to require this much technology in our lives. Particularly in the last 25 or so years, technological advances have practically been unspeakable. Who remembers floppy disks? Tape decks? Dial-up internet? These things, which were once considered the latest and the greatest, are old news now. Our generation has gotten very good at adapting to new technologies and latching onto the newest advancements like parasites…that is, until something better comes along.
The biggest change in myself that I’ve observed during this tech turnoff has been sleeping better. I used to listen to my iPod every night to “help myself go to sleep.” Irony slapped my face when I actually slept better than I had in months.
Also, without the TV or movies to distract me, I’m seriously getting into Brave New World. Such an interesting book.
May 8, 2008 at 4:29 pm
i have pretty much failed at the turn off in all of the specific areas except for tv, because normally i still dont watch too much tv so that didn’t change but i have always been fasninated by cool electronics so its hard for me to stay away.
May 8, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I completely agree with ashley. our technology is a comfort item for us. But it is that way because we have grown up with it. For example the other night my parents and i were out on the front porch (because i cant watch tv) and one of our neighbors came over to chat and had his son with him who is a baby. He is the cutest little kid and really happy but when he started to get fussy his dad gave him his cell phone and we all know what happened? The baby was happy again!
So before we can even form sentences we learn that technology is something that makes us happy. Its our drug and we are addicted.
As for habits instead of watching tv i go outside and people watch or read the paper and i feel like i dont waste as much time. Although i dont really spend all my new found time doing anything very productive im not just sitting around on my butt all day. When the day is over i feel so much more accomplished.
May 9, 2008 at 1:39 am
I really have began to shut these technoloigies off and it is actually helping me now. I don’t think I could do it for more then 10 days but it is successful. I am getting homework done quicker then I usually would and I am actually going to bed at a reasonable hour, something I didn’t do with the technologies. So mentally and physically it is helping because I am becoming more active and my mind is actually functioning like its supposed to.
May 9, 2008 at 3:47 am
well, human nature IS to change. its survival of the fittest. those who can learn to use the environment around them to their benefit, will continue on. those who fail to adapt are eventually run out. i, personally, think that this advancement is a good thing. if we can better learn and expand our minds to more and more complex ideas. who knows what the future will hold?
i always catch myself practically typing in facebook.com or some other site when i log on here to do these. its like some force is guiding me to it. like someone said, that whole want it because you cant have it thing.
and im with you Gmoney. ive failed many, many times too. its just so instinctive. even if im trying really hard to remember, im still finding myself grabing something out of the fridge and ploping on the couch to watch some TV while i eat. of course, an hour…maybe 2 later i remember and turn it off. but its hard! its just so imprinted into my habbits, its like second nature….
May 9, 2008 at 4:04 am
I don’t know if my physical habits have really changed that much. I still go on walks around my neighborhood (which is much more difficult with out my ipod). I still sit on my couch only instead of with the TV on it’s with a book. I don’t feel really all that different physically. The only real difference is that I feel disconnected from a lot of my friends. Not the friends that live here in Colorado obviously. But I feel disconnected to my friends in different parts of the country and my friends from different parts of the world. It makes me think about how thankful I am that I have this technology available to keep up all my long distance relationships.
May 9, 2008 at 4:27 am
To be honest this “nature” to turn on our ipods and tv’s are just our habits. I have the habit of listening to music when things are going wrong or when im just not in the best of moods, it’s not in my nature to. I do it simply because it makes me feel as though i got over whatever happened. But like im finding out im better off without the ipod in my ear. This whole turnoff thing makes you realize that not all these habits we have involving technology are good, even when they have the best intentions.
May 9, 2008 at 5:59 am
Ha… BillC3’s comment about whittling made me laugh.
mentally, I have been over stressed about small things and I constantly try to keep this stress at bay by reading. I used to always relax with technology, and as the tech turnoff got longer, I was having difficulty relaxing without it, and I would get irritated easily.
May 9, 2008 at 6:16 am
I would have to agree with kendall and say that I really only use these technologies at hand as tools. I am not reliant on anything. The only thing I have found myself struggling with is txting. It is nothing I need and I have just been calling everyone I needed to instead. So far I havnt had trouble with dealing with that. I have no dependence on any technologies really so I have not had any struggle maintaining really. Except Email. I found myself checking my email. But I only do that like once a year, so that won’t count:)
May 9, 2008 at 1:56 pm
ive been trying to keep busy and its kinda payin off i find myself txting still though and i’m trying to break the habit but it could be hard…..
May 12, 2008 at 12:43 am
Like most others I think, I keep struggling with the texting. It’s the texting that is most automatic for me. When I see the TV, it’s easy to say “Oh I’m not supposed to watch TV” , but when I get a text, it’s like I don’t even think. I’m brainwashed or something! I respond and sometimes couldn’t tell you five minutes later what I was talking about. It’s become so automatic for me. I think if I continued to turn off technology I would be alot less shallow. Talking to people would be more meaningful. I would have more in depth conversations. My friends and I text just stating facts about our day or seeing what the other is doing that night. Then we’ll hangout and watch TV or watch a movie. None of that requires any emotion. We just sit with our brains and emotions turned off… maybe because this is the “easy way out.” But one of my favorite quotes is this:
“There are always two choices in life. Two paths to take. One is easy. And it’s only reward is that it’s easy.”
I think it applies pretty well to alot of the concepts coming up about this tech turnoff. =)
May 12, 2008 at 2:33 am
Productive is the only word that comes to mind when I think of this entire ‘experiment’. All of those little projects in the back of my mind seem to be sprouting as this all endures. I can’t say this motivation has come from the ridding of technology, as I’ve begun to slip and have sparingly used various mediums of tools. This is not to say I’ve given up entirely, but I have met a comfortable equilibrium that is ironically pretty close to where I’ve always been in terms of reliance to tech. I have, however, noted that I lean more towards natural gratification and adventure over technology now than I have since I was young.
May 15, 2008 at 3:37 pm
i dont feel much difference other than i get more school work done and that i attend to my responsibilities more often
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Current Project
Heritage Tech Turnoff April 2009
May 7, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Since the turnoff, I have kept myself busy and distracted by running more and actually doing my homework. I have also helped out my parents paint our house, which has made them happier and less stressed, which is always a plus. I have also noticed that I am not constantly looking and waiting by my phone.
I have also been really surprised at how well I have kept away from my MP3, which for those who know me, is a true accomplishment. Learning how to stay away from these technologies that have defined me for so long, has helped me stay calm and do things during the day, instead of lounging areound all the time.