Things You Should Know Before Going into a 24 Hour Technology Blackout
By (a very happy about being back on her laptop) Kelly Kinas ‘16
Have you guys ever seen that Little Caesar’s commercial where the dad says “We’re going offffff the grid” and they turn into a caveman family? If not, I think I described it pretty accurately. If you have, we both watch too much television. Either way, this is what I assumed a 24 hour technology/media would be like and I was scared. I couldn’t check FACEBOOK. I couldn’t watch FOOTBALL. I couldn’t watch NETFLIX. What is a millennial to do?
Well, as it turns out, I can do all in 24 hours when I have to get rid of my technology for a USC Annenberg class. ASCJ 200: Navigating News and Media in the Digital Age, taught by Alison Trope and Judy Muller, challenged its students to go without technology and media for 24 hours and then blog about it. Unfortunately, that blog is not this blog. If you want to read my more scholarly 500 word limit blog, link is here. Even though it was difficult, I would highly suggest a short blackout for every millennial/college student. I learned a lot about myself and how I spend my time. LET’S SEE HOW IT WENT.
1. It’s Going to Be a Little Weird
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I read two books in 24 hours. Now, they weren’t War and Peace status but still, it’s an accomplishment. You’re going to want to turn on music or reach for your phone. If you get bored, you’re going to want to watch Netflix or go watch TV. Don’t. BE STRONG. Embrace the weirdness of not being connected to technology. It will be to your benefit.
2. You are Going to Get a Lot Done
I cleaned my room, did laundry, changed my sheets, read two books, organized my planner, went on a CVS run, ate balanced meals, caught up with random friends on the street (like friends I haven’t seen in a while), wrote entries in my journal, drove back from Pasadena, and MORE. Technology is such a time-suck and it’s hard to realize it when you’re surrounded by likes and a constant flow of emails and Buzzed articles. It’s nice to get out of that wormhole for a day.
3. You’re Going to Miss Technology
I’m not going to lie. This wasn’t easy. Working out without music sucked. Not being able to set an alarm on your phone to wake up was difficult. Trying to remember how to read an analog clock again took some time. Not being able to make plans with friends on a Saturday night also wasn’t the best. Driving back from Pasadena to USC without navigation was especially difficult because it was my first trip to Pasadena so I had no idea how to really get back. As college students in 2016, we use technology so much and it is difficult to cut off connection cold turkey. I kinda imagine this is how a drug addict feels when they start rehabilitation.
4. You Realize Your Priorities Are All Wrong
Before going into my blackout, I made sure to post an Instagram photo, a tweet, a Facebook status, message guys on Bumble so I wouldn’t lose their match, and check tumblr. I scrambled to get an internship application in on time. I didn’t think to call my parents. I didn’t think to text my brother to ask how his tennis match went. One serious thing I learned form this blackout was that, while I want to go into social media content management, I need to take the same amount of time out of my day for my friends and family that I take for social media. I’m also fairly sure this isn’t just a me-thing. Don’t get so caught up in social media that you forget about what is really important in life.
5. #FOMO Isn’t Real
Yes, there was a party at the Baseball house when you went into your blackout. You don’t really need to be there, tbh. I couldn’t get in touch with my friends. I hung out by myself in my room reading books written by YouTubers, eating popcorn from the bag and packet hot chocolate. I had a great time. Even if you see yourself as an extrovert, taking time for yourself outside partying, outside technology, and outside other people is healthy and, truthfully, pretty relaxing. Yes, you might have missed ONE thing. But what you’re doing isn’t stupid, isn’t worthless, and shouldn’t be diminished to something that you’re settling for because whatever you’re spending time on is worth spending time on.
In conclusion, I would suggest everyone does a technology blackout. Maybe for like 12 hours instead of 24 because 24 hours was a little long. Either way, the main point stays. Social media and technology isn’t life. Taking time for yourself and the people you love are, you know, kinda more important. This blackout helped reassure this for me. Maybe for you too.
Fight on!
Want more from Trojans 360?
Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content!
Check out our Instagram, where we feature a week in the life of a USC student each week!
Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
