A Screenager’s Wake-Up Call

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been deeply immersed in the digital world. My life has been a constant stream of online consumption, whether for academic purposes or purely for personal enjoyment. My brain craves the dopamine rush from comments, replies, likes, and videos. When I focus on my professional life, I’m drawn to emails to engage with or assignments to type on Word. I’ve spent hours where I’ve doomscrolled on reels, hoping to fill empty moments while suppressing my original thoughts. Devices have become my constant companions, distracting me from mundane tasks like laundry, making coffee, or sitting on the couch. They prevent me from giving my brain a break and from appreciating the beauty in the simplest daily routines.

My entire work life revolves around online communication, and my social life is equally centered around screens. From LinkedIn to TikTok, I’m constantly caught up in status updates and new reels shared by others. I see their successes, wonder about internships to apply for, and follow brainrot trends to keep up.

However, after losing my internet connection, I was finally able to reconnect with the world. Being on a disconnected journey through mesmerizing oceans, cruising mountains, and witnessing breathtaking waterfalls, I realized what truly matters in life: human connection, connection with nature, and the world itself. I was able to be fully present, free from the constant noise that disrupts my ability to be engaged.

Standing on a breathtaking mountain, surrounded by nature’s beauty, I witnessed the impact of technology on my life. Seeing others prioritize notifications and catch up on shows over the spectacular Skagway glaciers and majestic mountains at Mount Rainier made me realize how much I miss out on the present moment. Watching them distance themselves from creating memories rooted in nature forced me to reflect and recognize the true cost. The addictive allure of digital devices is tempting, but I’ve come to understand that moments spent in nature are far more valuable than anything created in the digital realm.

Standing atop a mountain, surrounded by active volcanoes, reminded me of the authentic nature of life. We have limited time and days, so it’s crucial to spend them absorbing real beauty and seeking happiness from natural sources. Car rides, with their hummingbirds and steady engine noises, allow my brain to fully immerse itself in the views of snow and fresh air, helping me experience the world around me.

Sitting atop the mountain, gazing at the snowy peaks instead of constantly scrolling through social media feeds, allowed my eyes to finally experience what my phone distracts me from. Lying on my bed, writing down my thoughts instead of mindlessly replying to texts or scrolling through endless reels, gave me space to breathe and appreciate the world’s wonders.

Disconnecting from technology forces me to confront the truth: staying constantly connected on my phone, laptop, and devices has hindered my ability to connect genuinely with everything around me. It’s made me realize the importance of nurturing meaningful conversations and checking in with myself before the constant beeps and buzzes drown out what really matters. Experiencing nature without digital distractions has helped me reconnect inwardly. Using my devices as tools to support connection, rather than replace it, has allowed me to embrace the world around me with more intention.

It’s important to recognize the impact of technology and social media, and how we can use them to build relationships while still prioritizing presence and peace. We are lucky to live in a world so full of contrast and color - from deserts to beaches, from chatty cities to serene streams. There are countless ways to reconnect: with the world, with others, and with ourselves.

And maybe that’s what matters most. Letting go of the urge to always respond, always refresh, always scroll. Slowing down enough to actually feel your life. The digital world will still be there. But the real one is the one I don’t want to miss anymore.