You can imagine my euphoric feeling as I strode to the mailbox to find a small package waiting for me. Cloaked in a yellow padded envelope, my new phone case sits in anticipation for my eager arrival. This case is not like my old case, which performed the basic functions of impact resistance and screen protection in a melancholic sort of way. No, this phone case is different. This phone case is waterproof.

I got to thinking of all the fabulous new things I could do with my iPhone clad in a veil of plastic and rubber. I realized that I could go swimming with my phone, use it as a diving stick, and take it in the shower. How wonderful my life just became. Now the few moments of forced digital reprieve I had every day are nothing but a foggy memory and an empty feeling of nostalgia. Then my face sunk as I realized what had just happened. 

The few moments of digital reprieve every day are now nothing but a foggy memory and an empty feeling of nostalgia. 

What happened? I considered this for a moment because I have always thought of myself as less engaged in the realm of interconnectivity and social media, but now I have fallen to the sticky spell cast by Twitter and Facebook. 

The amount of time we spend on our phones is so irresponsible and negligent of humanity that it makes me sick. We are so engaged in our handhelds that we forget to greet each other on our way to class. We pretend to text so we do not feel awkward waiting for our friends and it is expected that we never leave our phone’s side. 

I feel like my phone makes me more machine than human. I cannot leave my room without it, my job says that I must be reachable at all times, and my girlfriend and mother would think I was dead if I did not respond. It has gotten to the point where, when my phone starts losing charge, I too get tired. 

Luckily, there is a solution, and a very simple one at that. Put down the phone. 

You do not need it. 

Do you remember being a kid and having to make that long trek to your neighbor’s house then slowly climb the stair to the front door? In your head you panicking a little, but you manage to muster your courage just enough to knock on the door and you ask, “Can Johnny come out and play?” Think about all the little emotions that kids miss today because they do not have those awkward moments. Since everyone has smart phones, something like knocking on a door would be considered “creepy” by today’s standards.

For me, it is time I start using my brain instead of relying on my phone. Everyone I know tells me that they could go a week without their phone if they had to, so now I am officially challenging you. 

Nick Reagan is a sophomore studying political science and economics. He can be emailed at [email protected].