Dear people of my generation,

Dear people of my generation,

Put away your phones. Look your experiences in the eyes not through a lens. I know that you want to be in constant communication with the world and that you want to document everything but it seems in documenting everything we miss truly experiencing it for ourselves.

I went to a concert a couple nights ago and as soon as the headliner took the stage, there was a field of phones in the air. And most of these were the ones closest to the band. It wasn't just the lights of the phones that was a problem for me, it was the fact that people were staring at the phone screen instead of the band! 

They missed out on the experience of everything by staring at their phones. They couldn't dance crazy with their friends in fear of ruining the recording. They didn't see the beads of sweat on the lead singer as he got worked up by his performance. Instead they were staring at a phone. And this is not an uncommon phenomena.

Often times, I will be with my partner or my best friend and I feel isolated because they are on their phone. My partner will be holding me with one arm as we (or should I say I) watch a movie and with his other hand, he is scrolling through Tumblr. Now, most of the time I do not mind, but when we have been too busy to spend time together and we specifically schedule time to catch up and shower each other with affection, it bothers me when he chooses to play on his phone. The same goes for my roommate or my siblings. The older we get, the busier we become and I want to feel my time is valued. When I go to a restaurant with people I want to create experiences. I want to talk to the people in front of me. I want to people watch together.

Technology is amazing and serves so many important purposes but be careful not to miss what is in front of you. Watch that movie. Call that girl instead of texting her. Make up a game with your friends. Really see the world. Sure take pictures but don't let recording memories take away from making them.

Life is so much brighter without the lens. So put the phone away. Make some good memories.

Sincerely,
B. Anne