More Offline

Just last week we made a change to our cell phone plans.  We went from having an unlimited data plan, to having no data at all. Seems like a pretty radical thing to do.

There was one main reason we made the switch- because of the money.  We are going to be saving $70 a month by lowering our plan.  We did have to buy out our contracts, but this will still save us money in the long run. And without contracts, we can change our plan however we like in the future without any extra fees.

The second thing was kind of an unintended consequence.  We are offline more.  Now, we both still have our iPhones, but we can only use our data on a wifi connection. It has been a problem before, mostly with me, that I spend way too much time online, specifically on social media.  Now, when we go to dinner or are in the car traveling together, there's no Facebook to interrupt us.

I love the internet.  I love how you can find the answer to almost any question with a quick internet search.  I love how I can keep in touch with friends and family who live states away.  But it has seemed to creep into every free moment that I have.  It takes away those moments to just think and dream.  It takes away awareness of your surroundings.

I work on a college campus and it only takes a short walk to see students passing each other and staring at their phones or having their earbuds jammed in their ears.  No one connects anymore, not really.  The human connection is lessened.  Using our senses is reduced to one dimension.

Take some time to unplug and stay offline this weekend.  Enjoy your family, friends, or something else you enjoy.  Pick up a book. Walk the dog.  See how refreshing that can be.