In an age where technology is all around us, it’s only natural for us to adapt to our environment. But what happens when you become so immersed in these technological advancements that you miss out on certain things? Think about it.
Smartphones today come equipped with apps like BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), Ping! and Kik. You know, instant messaging on the go. Although it’s amazing to see how far technology has come since the development of the cell phone, I feel as though this might have taken us a step back in terms of social interaction. Now I know this is a cause for debate, but let me make myself clear. It’s a good thing that we have cell phones with this type of app. It gives us the ability to contact people within seconds and to receive a response from them quicker than you can say “I know, right?!”.
On the other hand, how many times have you been SO immersed in your SMS conversation that you missed things that were going on around you? We’ve all seen people in the city with their heads down and their eyes glued to their cell phone. This is where I’ve got to say that we’ve taken a step back.
We’re taking a step back in actually interacting with people face-to-face (FaceTime and Skype do not count!). I think that if we all just left our phones in our pockets, purses or even in our hands (without looking down at them), we can finally take in the beauty of face-to-face interaction with both people and our beautiful city. I’ve actually tried to make it a habit now to stop looking at my phone while walking, so that I can take in how pretty it’s getting now that autumn is really settling in. As a recovering BBM addict, I can definitely say that doing this has definitely changed my perspective on the everyday things I take for granted.
So U of T, I propose a challenge for you all (including myself): Take a day (any day, really) to just leave your phone in your bag or pocket. Walk around and do the regular activities that you would do at school. You’ll definitely see a small change. You’ll be able to take in the fact that “Oh hey! The leaves are changing colour now!” You might even be able to catch your friend walking right by you, and who just so happens to be looking at their own phone texting.
You miss and take for granted a lot of things by just looking down. By putting that ridiculously addicting piece of technology down, you’ll see that actually looking at the REAL leaves changing colour is a whole different experience than just seeing a picture of it on your phone; trust me.
The Discovery Series is a monthly speaker and networking series hosted by the Nspire Innovation Network that focuses on the exchange of ideas on specific topics in innovation. Launching this month, the first theme of the Discovery Series is 
