(extra credit) discuss the Technology Assignment.

                        A Day Without Technology: My Digital Detox Experiment


Last week, I participated in a unique assignment for my class: I had to spend an entire day living without any 20th or 21st century technology. That meant no smartphone, no laptop, no TV, no microwave — nothing we take for granted on a daily basis.


I chose May 24th as my "tech-free" day. From 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, I turned off my phone and put away every digital device I usually depend on. Instead of using my phone alarm, I let sunlight wake me up. I read a physical book (Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami), took a long walk without GPS, cooked using a gas stove, and wrote down my thoughts using pen and paper by candlelight.


At first, it was harder than I expected. I kept instinctively reaching for my phone, even though I had turned it off. I felt a bit anxious not being able to check messages or the weather. However, as the day went on, something surprising happened — I started to feel more present, more focused, and even calmer.


One of the biggest takeaways was how technology affects our attention. Reading a book without distractions felt deeply rewarding. I also had a more meaningful conversation with a friend, without either of us looking at screens. It reminded me of the kind of connections people had before social media and instant messaging.


Was it fun? In parts, yes — especially the peaceful moments with a book or the quiet of the evening by candlelight. But it was also challenging and a bit isolating. It made me appreciate both the benefits and the costs of the technology we use every day.


In the end, this assignment wasn’t just about giving up tech for a day. It was about rediscovering balance. Technology is a powerful tool, but it shouldn't control us. I would absolutely recommend this experiment to anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications and screen time. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself — I certainly was.


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