Digital Detox Workshop Report, Essay Example

Before attending the workshop, I assumed young people voluntarily embrace technology lifestyle and technology has become their escape from freedom. But after reading about students’ experiences, I realized most students didn’t voluntarily embrace technology lifestyle but instead were pushed into it due to the fear of being left behind than their peers. This also helped me realize the importance of the external environment on one’s development as a person.

If someone had asked me about my expectations before reading students’ reports, I would have predicted complaints from most students but instead there were mostly expressions of relief. Some students argued and rightfully so that the society needs to develop practical disciplinary controls regarding technology use and these measures will only succeed if there is widespread support for them. This demonstrates that young people do want social attitudes towards technology to change.

I am all for technology because it helps the society become more productive and improve its standard of living but progress also carries costs if not carefully managed. The fact that young people are frustrated by the huge control technology exerts over their lives is a proof we have not yet developed proper social etiquettes regarding technology use. The frustration over technology’s control of their lives was probably best expressed by a student who drew the comic book The Walking Tech in which a person is eaten and controlled by his cell phone.

This exercise also reminds us parents and educators can play an important role in developing social etiquette. Some students agreed they were able to stay away from their gadgets because they knew some of their friends were also doing the same. Thus, all it takes sometimes to encourage healthy technology lifestyle habits are simple yet effectively designed rules.