Pull the Plug on Technology

Take+the+time+to+unplug+this+week+in+March.

Hayley Maxwell on Unsplash

Take the time to unplug this week in March.

It starts at sundown on March 6, the first Friday of the month, and runs until sundown on March 7. It is the National Day of Unplugging, challenging people to spend 24 hours without technology.

The day originated in 2003 when a Jewish community called Reboot asked people to take a short break from social media and get involved with nature instead. Instead of playing a game online, participants can play something with friends outside.

Many people rely on technology all day and all year, and this day challenges people to unwind and relax without the use of tech.

Technology is helpful, and people can learn and experience a lot by its use in general; a lot of jobs even rely on technology and it would be a hindrance to unplug completely. “I probably can’t because I have school and most of my work is on the Chromebook,” said Jacob Johnson.

Still, even deleting one app or cutting a single piece of technology from our lives is a step in a good direction, but for some it would be a difficult endeavor. David Diez said, “There’s no way I can function without my phone or computer.” It really wouldn’t be much of a challenge, though, if it was easy.

Even though the National Day of Unplugging is in March, that doesn’t mean people cant practice it whenever. Once one 24-hour segment is completed, it is easier to keep going, for weeks and even months.

Are you up for the challenge? Participants can pledge online at www.nationaldayofunplugging.com/.