Unwired

The screenless life is actually peachy. Granted, this assignment was not really a huge change from my  normal life. I grew up in a family where my only memories of TV are of Arthur and Cyber Chase on PBS. Past that, we lived off a VCR and one DVD player. I also think we had a vintage Nintendo system at some point... I currently do not have satellite TV, no internet access at my house, I use my VCR more than my DVD player, and I still have a flip phone. I do have a Kindle Fire though. Needless to say, screens and wires are not part a vital part of my personal life. My work life however, is a different matter. I use all types of screens and computer programs for my job. I have the desire to lead a personal life which includes minimal social media or screen time, but I recognize the immense value in knowing how to use these things for professional reasons. Using them as much as I do for my job, I had to do this assignment on a Sunday, when I'm not at work. As I said earlier, this assignment did not feel too out-of-step with my normal routine. Especially since it was on a day when I use it the least. Communication was difficult, though. I may not use screens as much as some, but when I do use them, it'susually because I need them to communicate something important. My family had no way to check in with me and vice versa, when plans got changed I was the last to know, when I needed information that neither I or anyone in immediate proximity to me had, I was just out of luck. I didn't care that I missed the awesome latte art what's-her-face took a picture of, or the outraged ramblings of sports fans and Trump haters. 

This assignment just further cemented my understanding of just how much we use screens. Sitting back and making a conscious effort not to use them period, helped me observe the people around me. Screen use is as natural as a body reflex for most. All the more reason to know how to use social media in the most effective way!