Ever been technology free for a day or longer? Great experience.

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   Readmikenowposted 5 years ago

   
   This summer I went on a backpacking trip.  I'm ready for the collective gasp...without a cell phone.  I had NO technology with me.  I lived this way for four days. It was a wonderful experience.  When I do this, I become aware how people are afraid to do without their technology.  It was quiet, peaceful and took me back to a time in my youth when we were free of such things.  So, what is the longest YOU have gone without technology?

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      Eurofileposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Before the days of cheaper roaming charges across Europe I routinely used to leave my smartphone in the glove box of my car parked at the airport while I jetted off.But since charges are now the same wherever I am in Europe my phone comes with me. I sometimes miss the tech free days, but its useful for keeping in contact with family.

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   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   I can't remember a day without technology, though in my youth I did without. I remember times forgetting my device and going without it for a couple of hours. It was relaxing. I would love to do it for a day every now and then, too. I have heard of going backpacking and such without technology. I think that is a great idea. I would be inclined to bring a camera, though.

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   Erudite Scholarposted 5 years ago

   I have gone for almost one and a half years without technology.It was the worst moments of my life.Technology is lie.We can not live without it.

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   wildernessposted 5 years ago

   I often camp for  several days without cell service, and although our RV has a TV it has been turned on just once in 8 years, during a nasty storm when all the grandkids crowded into the RV for a couple hours.
   
   But you youngsters don't understand - I was about 12 when I bought my first transistor radio to go on the handle bars of my bike!  Brand new technology never before available - a whole radio no bigger than the palm of your hand!

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   CYong74posted 5 years ago

   I'm not ashamed to say I tried, I felt invigorated for a while. About one hour into it, I was positively dying.

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   jansharesposted 5 years ago

   Hmmmm  . . . . totally technology-free (no cell phone)? Probably some time in the late 1980s. Due to my profession, I've always had to carry a pager or phone. I don't think I got a personal cell phone until the early 1990s. I admit, in recent years, I've had my cell phone on vacations. I may cut it off for a few hours but always check it.
   
   I would love to go technology-free for an extended amount of time. I think social media access has added the addictive quality to why we can't put down our phones. Truth be told, I'm old school-anti technology. I held on to my Blackberry for years, didn't get an iPhone until 2016! Yes, 2016. I still have the 6s, lol.
   
   
   Great question, Mike.

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   Readmikenowposted 5 years ago

   I grew up in a time without cell phones or home computers.  We did just fine.
   
   I think the problem is most people depend so much on their technology, they can't realize there is a life without it.
   
   Years ago I went on a hike with a friend and his two teenage sons.  We hit a dead zone and there was no cell service.  These kids were very upset.  After the hike we explained how they did fine without their cell phones.  The 19-year-old responded "My life in on my cell phone."
   
   I didn't know if that was sad, normal or how it is with many people.

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      jansharesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I grew up the same way and made it through college technology-free. I understand my nephews and nieces don't know life without it so it makes sense that they cannot function and can't relate to what it means not to have a cell phone.

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   Sherry Hposted 5 years ago

   I was never totally away from phone for days but I am probably a very controlled user of technology. Its been many times I forgot to take cell phone with me when leaving for school. I did not feel the necessity to go back home and get it. So its like at least 7 hours that I have stayed away from my phone. (everytime this happens)
   
   I am in my 20s yet don't find technology very attractive. Of course, I use computer, phone, and every other tech for school work and other things but never really experienced any sort of dependance. I think I just prefer the company of a real person and doing real things over using cell phone.

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      jansharesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I love this! There is hope for this generation.

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   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   I went to college when it was device free. I remember a student with a perfect copy of his assignment. I marveled. He said it was printed off a computer. I said, "Lucky!" My teacher said no it was "Costly."

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    Gregory DeVictorposted 5 years ago

    All I know is that I can’t live without my computer. Like others here, I made it through college technology-free.

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       wildernessposted 5 years agoin reply to this

       Hey!  I had a slide rule - isn't that technology?   And I had access to the only calculator on campus - a massive thing in the science department, bigger than 4 desktop computers today, that could even do square roots.

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          Gregory DeVictorposted 5 years agoin reply to this

          OK, I forgot about the slide rule. That device did make life easier back in the day.

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             wildernessposted 5 years agoin reply to this

               High tech, it was, and used only green energy to boot!

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    dredcuanposted 5 years ago

    Yes, every time I travel to different places, especially if I'm into nature trip. I appreciate everything around me. I usually forget that I have a facebook account!

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    Lovelli Fuadposted 5 years ago

    Sometimes when I think I can get away with it, I completely turn off my phone when I sleep at night. That's about the most I can get by without technology.

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