Week 13 Reflection: What I Learned from a Day Without Modern Technology
Name：CHENYUNLIN

This week, I challenged myself to spend a whole day without using any modern technology. That means no smartphone, no computer, no internet, no electricity, no public transportation. It was an attempt to step back into a “pre-digital era.”

I replaced my phone alarm with an old-fashioned mechanical clock and used pen and paper instead of typing. I walked instead of taking a taxi or subway, and used a paper map to find my way. Most of my day was spent reading, walking, and reflecting. Eating was the most challenging part — without a microwave or takeout, I had to cook simple meals by myself.

The most profound experience was the feeling of slowing down.
Usually, I feel busy, but much of that busyness comes from constant interruptions by phone notifications: replying to messages, scrolling through short videos, mindlessly checking social media. That day, life became slower, even a bit empty. But it was in that emptiness that I began to notice the sounds around me: the wind rustling leaves, conversations on the street, my own breathing.

Without a music player, I started humming songs; without the internet, I picked up old novels I had never opened. Most interestingly, I became aware of my inner voice. Emotions and thoughts previously hidden behind screens began to surface one by one.

This experience also made me realize my relationship with technology.
It’s not that I can’t live without my phone — it’s that I have internalized it as part of my life. It’s not just a tool; it’s my time manager, emotional comfort, social interface, and work platform. It’s everywhere and controls much of my life.

This brief “disconnection” made me realize: I don’t always “need” my phone; I’m just “used” to the sense of control and presence it provides. More importantly, I realized real communication doesn’t always happen on screens. That day, I had a long, deep face-to-face conversation with an old friend, far more meaningful than any online interaction.

So what did I learn?
First, putting down the phone is hard but possible. Second, everyone should regularly give themselves a “tech break,” even if it’s just for a few hours. That’s not disconnecting from society, but reconnecting with oneself. Lastly, true freedom isn’t about having more technology, but having the ability to live without being dependent on it.

From now on, I might set aside “one tech-free hour every week.” It’s a chance to breathe and a gentle resistance to the digital age.


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