My friend, April, and I went to the beach last week. We packed little lunches, a couple books, and plenty of sunscreen. April spread out her orange beach blanket and we set up shop. We were there for nearly 5 hours; in and out of the water, girl talking, people watching... our books never came out of the bags they were packed in. Neither did a single cellphone.
Since I've been in Canada I haven't had a cellphone. I'm not working and it just doesn't fit into our budget. April has a cellphone, but it's one of those old slide phones. No Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram. Because of this, nothing about our little beach day was documented. *Gasp!* And it was amazing. We talked. We bonded. We had fun. We weren't concerned about whether or not we had any service way out there.
But, I totally get it. I had a smart phone before I moved. I had everything I needed in a sleek, palm sized computer/phone/camera hybrid. It is so convenient, and we are in an age of convenience.. right? Right. I can't deny that. However, one thing I've had issue with since it's conception is letting people know where you are at all times of the day. It started with foursquare and moved into all the other social media vehicles.You know when your friends or acquaintances wake up and when they go to bed. You know what they look like at these times. You know their work schedules and when they go on vacation. You've seen their cleavage, broken bones, and unborn babies. Privacy doesn't really exist anymore. But, again, I get it. I've participated in these trends.
Last night, Nate and I were watching Canada Day fireworks. There were a lot of couples watching them. Traditionally, for some reason, they are sort of romantic. Sitting with your significant other on a blanket, holding hands.. except this wasn't happening. The show started and everyone stood up. Then THEY ALL TOOK THEIR PHONES OUT. I'm not exaggerating when I say "all." Every single person felt the need to document this experience instead of experiencing it with the people they were there with. The atmosphere was ruined. Completely ruined.
If you want to take a picture of the fantastic meal you are about to eat, fine. If you want to show someone your boobs in a passive way, fine. But, there are certain things that are being ruined by iPhone apps. Like camping. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, camping was once a way to get away from the hustle and bustle. Now everyone brings the hustle and bustle with them and then complains when they don't get cellphone service.
Lets just say I'm thankful for the moderate amount of privacy this highly technological world will allow me for the time being. I definitely don't miss my phone.
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