W13.2 Attempting to live without the technologies of the 20th and 21st centuries—JIA YUAN

 1. What did I do in this project?

In this project, my team member and I took on the challenge of living for one full day without using any technologies from the 20th and 21st centuries. This meant completely avoiding modern communication tools such as smartphones, laptops, TVs, and the internet. We also gave up household appliances like electric cookers, microwaves, water heaters, and washing machines, as well as modern transportation tools and services like electronic maps and bus cards. Our goal was to simulate a kind of "slow life" and experience how people might have lived before the technological revolution.

We prepared pens and paper in advance and agreed to record our feelings, activities, and challenges every two hours. The next day, we held a team discussion to compare our experiences, highlight common issues, and reflect on what we had learned.

The day was filled with both challenges and discoveries. We used candles for light, cooked meals manually, navigated by asking directions instead of using maps, and used only cash to make payments. We spent time reading paper books, writing diaries, playing traditional games, and engaging in face-to-face conversations. In essence, we disconnected from the modern digital world and tried to reconnect with ourselves and those around us.

2. What did I learn from it?

This project taught me many things on both a practical and emotional level. First, I learned just how deeply modern life is intertwined with technology. Tasks that usually take minutes—like finding directions, cooking, or messaging a friend—became time-consuming or even frustrating without the help of digital devices. It was eye-opening to see how much our convenience relies on invisible infrastructures like electricity, mobile signals, and apps.

At the same time, I discovered unexpected benefits from slowing down. Without phones and screens, I was able to concentrate more fully on single tasks. Reading a paper book felt more immersive than reading on a screen, and writing by hand gave me a stronger sense of reflection. I found myself thinking more deeply and being more present in the moment.

Socially, I realized how valuable face-to-face interactions are. Without the constant distractions of phones, conversations with friends became richer and more engaging. I also saw how fragile our routines are without digital tools—missing an online class or not being able to make a payment showed how dependent we are on being "always connected."

Overall, the project helped me better understand the double-edged nature of technology: it improves efficiency but also creates dependence, anxiety, and disconnection from the physical world and human relationships.

3. Was it interesting?

Yes, the project was both interesting and meaningful. It was not just a fun experiment, but also a deep exploration of how we live our daily lives. At first, I felt uneasy and disconnected, like I was missing out or "cut off from the world." But as the day went on, that anxiety turned into a feeling of calmness and reflection. It was fascinating to watch how my mind and body adjusted to a slower pace, and how much more I noticed about my surroundings and myself when technology wasn’t there to constantly interrupt.

There were humorous and memorable moments too—getting lost without a map, nearly spilling tea in the dark, or realizing how hard it is to explain directions without showing a map. These inconveniences reminded me how much we take modern conveniences for granted. But they also brought laughter, teamwork, and even a sense of adventure.

In the end, what made the experience truly interesting was its contrast with my normal life. It gave me a fresh perspective on the value of time, attention, and human presence. While I would not want to live permanently without technology, I now see the importance of taking regular breaks from it. The idea of having “low-tech hours” or “digital detox” times in a week suddenly makes a lot of sense.

Conclusion

This project was a unique opportunity to step outside the framework of modern life and reflect on how much technology shapes our habits, relationships, and thinking. I did not just avoid machines—I discovered a new rhythm of life, one that is slower but more mindful. I learned that while technology is powerful and useful, it should be managed consciously. Life becomes richer when we balance it with human connection, nature, and time for reflection. And yes—it was not only a learning experience, but also an interesting and thought-provoking adventure.