A Day Without Telecommunications

Operation Blackout showed me how much I rely on both my cell phone and my laptop on a daily basis. I use my cell phone as my alarm clock and my watch throughout the day. Therefore, I had to wake up naturally, and check random clocks throughout the day. I realized that I use my laptop for basic functions like checking the weather each morning. While this was not a big deal to forgo, it was difficult to make plans without a cell phone. Instead, I could only hang out with my neighbors and friends with whom I already had plans. I found myself constantly wanting to check my cell phone. This was a good lesson on attachment to technology, especially considering much of it did not exist just a generation ago.

Laura Ruchinskas