Week 13: “What I Learned by Disconnecting from Modern Technology”

1. What I Did – The Challenge of Living Without Modern Technology

For the Technology Assignment, I tried something I never thought I could do: I spent one full day without using any technology invented in the 20th or 21st century. That meant no smartphone, no computer, no internet, no electricity, no TV, no modern transportation — basically, nothing that defines my everyday routine. The assignment started from the moment I woke up. Usually, I check my phone first thing in the morning. This time, I used a wind-up alarm clock instead. I brushed my teeth without an electric toothbrush, made instant noodles by boiling water over a gas stove, and spent most of the day reading books, writing by hand, walking instead of taking the bus, and talking to people face-to-face.

I planned my day with the mindset of someone living in the early 1900s — not easy for someone so dependent on digital tools. No GPS, no YouTube, no music streaming, no texting. It was like traveling back in time, but with modern problems still surrounding me. Friends were trying to reach me, assignments had to be done online, and I felt “disconnected” — in both senses of the word.

2. What I Learned – The Invisible Grip of Technology

The most surprising thing I learned from this experiment was how deeply technology structures my life, even in ways I hadn’t noticed before. It wasn’t just about missing convenience — it was about realizing that my sense of time, space, and even identity is shaped by technology. Without my phone, I lost track of time. Without Google Maps, I had to ask strangers for directions. Without music in my ears, I was more aware of street noise and conversations. Everything felt slower. Boring, even. But also more real. I noticed birdsong, the sound of leaves, and how I automatically reach for my phone out of habit — even when there’s nothing urgent to check. It reminded me of something we learned in class: technological determinism — the idea that technology shapes how we live, think, and relate to each other. At first, I thought I was in control of my devices. But by mid-day, I realized they control me just as much. I don’t just use technology; I live through it. I also experienced the social side of technology more clearly. Friends thought I was ignoring them. I missed a group chat for a class project. Even though I was trying to focus on “real life,” I couldn’t escape the fact that today’s social life exists mostly online. This made me appreciate how interconnected technology, communication, and relationships have become.

3. Reflection – Was It Fun? What Now?

Was it fun? Honestly… not really — at least, not in the beginning. I felt anxious, bored, and disconnected. But as the day went on, I started to appreciate the quietness. I read a poetry book without checking notifications every five minutes. I wrote in my journal. I had a long face-to-face talk with a friend — the kind of slow, unstructured conversation I’ve missed without even realizing it. The assignment made me think: Do we ever really spend time alone anymore? Even when we’re physically alone, we’re still digitally surrounded — scrolling through TikTok, chatting on KakaoTalk, checking notifications. This constant stimulation makes it hard to reflect, observe, or just be. I also realized how privileged I am to depend on technology so easily. My grandparents didn’t have smartphones or the internet, yet they lived full, meaningful lives. Maybe we don’t need to reject modern tools, but we do need to question our dependence on them — and learn to step back from time to time. In the end, I wouldn’t call it “fun” — but I would call it eye-opening. It reminded me that technology is not neutral. It brings speed and connection, but also stress, distraction, and new forms of inequality. I think I’ll try “tech-free evenings” once a week to slow down and reflect. Maybe this experiment isn’t over after all.