The picture below was taken by a passing boat whose passengers were on a whale watch. The unknown man on the boat is just a few feet from one of the largest creatures on earth, the Humpback Whale. According to those on the boat, the man never once looked up from his phone and may still have no idea how close he was to one of nature's great wonders. I hope the tweet he "favorited" or status he "liked" were equally amazing...
How many times have you looked down at your phone and actually seen something truly amazing? I mean truly amazing! Probably never. While you are looking down at all those un-amazing posts on social media the world is happening around you, and I promise you, you are missing some truly amazing things. The picture below was taken by a passing boat whose passengers were on a whale watch. The unknown man on the boat is just a few feet from one of the largest creatures on earth, the Humpback Whale. According to those on the boat, the man never once looked up from his phone and may still have no idea how close he was to one of nature's great wonders. I hope the tweet he "favorited" or status he "liked" were equally amazing... In a blog from last year we discussed a similar theme. This video is called "look up"... great advice for all of us.
Nicole Morales Period 4
2/5/2015 06:01:02 am
I absolutely love this video. Even though I think it sends a great message for adults and teens alike, it makes me so sad because I feel like there are so many missed opportunities now that cell phones have consumed everyone's lives. I know that sometimes I miss things from looking at my phone while at home. I try staying off my phone when I'm not home because my parents always taught me to stay present whether for safety, politeness, or other reasons. This video, and the man who missed the whale, both show you that you have to live your life in the present and not rely so much on your cell phone to do things for you are to waste time. I have a fear that social media is going to break down social norms and that soon more and more people will have social skill problems and lack of communication. Communication is one thing that makes us who we are and living life without your head down looking at your phone is so important.
Aislinn Curry Period 6
2/5/2015 07:56:29 am
When Alexander Graham Bell invented the first telephone I doubt he could foresee the world of technology that would follow. It is important to note that this video is not an attack on the use of technology, cell phones, or any other devices. Simply put this is a wake up call for those who live more within the reality world of social media forums instead of in the real physical world. It's incredible to think that people would much rather scroll and troll the internet than meet someone new, take a trip, or hangout with a friend. Life is happening and the no one has an abundance of allotted time, in fact, no one knows how much time they have at all. Travel, explore, create, learn, try new things, exercise, join a club or sport, hangout with friends. Make use of the time you have because when you look back on life it won't be the things you had done that you regret but rather those that you did not do.
Claudia Period 4
2/5/2015 11:20:55 am
I don't think technology is necessarily bad for us, or at least it isn't intended to be. The issue is understanding that there's a time and a place for it. The technology we have today as compared to just a few decades ago is kind of amazing, and we should use it. But yes, we can't allow it to take over our lives and keep us from making connections with people, which is what all our social media is supposed to do. This guy who missed the whale because he was staring at his phone, that's kind of ridiculous. If you're going out on a whale watch to, you know, see the whales how does it make sense to be on your phone the whole time? That is confusing to me. I'm not going to lie, I am guilty of being distracted by my phone, but I agree that there are times when we'll miss out if we don't pay attention.
Nicole Vermillion, Period 6
2/5/2015 11:40:35 am
Whether technology hurts more than it helps is definitely one of my favorite current debates. Cell phones and social media do their job. They have us connected on a whole new level. But at the same time now people would rather text than talk to each other. Our generation is getting used to communicating with out having to rely on tone of voice, and facial cues (emoji's don't count!) which scares me, because how often do people really say exactly what they mean? We are more connected now than ever, but at the same time we are also so isolated from each other. We are always in constant digital communication with one another, but its just not the same as interacting with someone in person. It's like we're alone, together.
Nicole Gauthier Period 4
2/5/2015 12:55:19 pm
In last year’s ‘Look Up’ blog, Michelle strikingly said that while our society has taken strides in terms of technology, it has taken so many steps backwards in terms of living life (remembered and found it because it was just so true!) Technology has become so accessible that we have grown accustom to using it to solve our problems (c’mon just ask Siri). Its abuse has had an undeniably negative impact on human behavior with consequences ranging from the cyber-bully’s superiority as he or she hides behind their screen and deals the blows or the clear anti-social behavior seen at almost every party and restaurant. There should not be restaurants that give discounts to those who put their phones in a basket before they dine. There should not be joke posts noting how ‘coincidental ’ it is that the theme colors of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Mypace, are the color of the sky. Technology is not the world human nature is limited to. The mind needs to be freed from those destructive and constricting worlds of popular culture. Society must notice that true happiness does not come from having the most retweets but by taking every opportunity to see the world and by carpeing the hell out of this diem.
Andrew Fredericks
2/5/2015 09:12:47 pm
I find this so funny because this really shows how attached to our technology but even when I'm saying this I am doing this on my phone. So yes there is a difference between obsession and moderation. So for this man to be on his phone and completely miss what he is there to do is amazing
Kylie Maldonado p.5
2/5/2015 09:13:33 pm
I think our generation is overly-fascinated with technology, and that some of us wouldn't know what to do with ourselves if it all stopped working. I tvjnn kids and adults too should focus more on the world around them, but based on how things are going with so many new things coming out, it doesn't seem that possible. people love social media and phones and laptops, so much that they'd rather look at pictures of tropical backgrounds on their phone instead of actually going somewhere.
Rourke Ferguson
2/5/2015 11:09:44 pm
The thing that gets me about being so engrossed and absorbed into your "social life" on your "smart" phone is the fact that doing so causes you to miss certain cool or funny moments and aspects of life - without you even knowing. You could easily miss certain opportunities in life simply because you are interested in some temporary drama between people on social media or anything of the sort. If it were my choice, I would live in the days before connecting with people on your phone became the most prominent factor in social lives. Connecting with others in real life and in person just yields a bigger reward, and better memories.
Madeleine Frost p.3
2/6/2015 03:47:03 am
This video is very eye-opening. I think that technology has taken over the lives of many in this day and age, but a little technology in moderation is okay. People should, in fact, put their phones down to go and see the world. The man that had his eyes glued to his phone during the whale watch is little ridiculous because im sure he payed some good money to go watch whales and instead he could be scrolling through social media. Communication is key, but not through a phone.
Michelle Lee Period 6
2/6/2015 04:55:18 am
As Nicole remarkably recalled my comment from last year, my view on technology reaps both benefits and drawbacks. Technology was invented to make our lives easier. It allows us to do amazing things, such as connect to people all over the world without leaving our houses, apply for jobs without leaving our houses, buy items without leaving our houses, etc. without leaving our houses. But that's the negative aspect that bothers me: we never leave our houses because technology makes it available for us to complete all our errands and tasks online. So although our lives are made easier with these inventions, we lose another part of our lives in return. We lose the personal experience and connection with the world and we lose the chance to use our social skills. We use group chats and texts to talk to each other more often than we talk face to face. Looking at a picture of Spain online is completely different from actually visiting Spain. You are not seeing the world, you are seeing a picture of the world through your phone, and that presents to you a completely different perspective. The guy that is looking down at his phone while there is a Humpback Whale in front of him is only one example of how technology is taking away from the firsthand experiences of life. The most important thing should be how you are living and what you are seeing, not how your friends are living and what they are seeing through social media.
Katrina Kazen Period 3
2/6/2015 05:46:26 am
This video is mind-altering to everyone who is on their phone doing social media or just playing games. This video really spoke to me because I am constantly on my phone and I have never realized all the opportunities I could be missing. I feel that everyone should watch this video because it just shows how not socializing with someone can actually be a missed opportunity. The guy who was looking at his phone while a humpback whale was in front of him, he is probably disgusted with himself because he missed an once in a lifetime view. I'm not saying phones are a bad invention because they're one of the most useful devices you can use. However, like everything else, use your phone in moderation. No one has to be on their phone every single minute of the day because nothing on your phone is that important to be looking at 24/7.
Sara Veera Period 6
2/6/2015 12:55:27 pm
I remember this video from last year. As someone who owns a Samsung flip phone, I never text if it's not an emergency. My ignorance of this dumb phone of mine has made me aware of how smart phones have become a type of extension of ourselves at this point. When I'm hanging out with friends, they'll scroll through their phones as they chat. When I'm serving couples having dinner, they will spend the rest of the meal in silence looking at their phones. I am forever grateful for technology and for the ease it has gifted us in life. Regardless. technology has become much too all-consuming. It's discomforting to imagine how our advancing society will progress in the next decade or so.
Dylan Bowden Period 3
2/6/2015 11:02:16 pm
This video definitely sends a great message for adults and children around the world who use their phone almost every hour, though I do disagree with some parts of the video. Yes, the popular stereo-type of the internet is social-networking. This stereo-type can be easily disproven by the fact that people work using their phones, tablets, or computers. Their also used as modern wallets and innovative communication systems, not just a screen that only projects Facebook. But, if you are traveling or seeing something new, it is important to put down your phone and use your senses, rather than taking a picture and posting it to Instagram. Overall, this video is eye-opening as well as hypocritical, though I really liked it. And now I must put down my phone, submit this blog and see something amazing.
Emily Heon period 4
2/7/2015 01:16:24 am
I think this video makes an excellent point and the picture of the man with the whale is proof that technology really does control some people's lives. I like to think that I'm not controlled by my phone because I don't check it constantly but I'm just as guilty as everyone else. I couldn't imagine leaving the house without my phone and I'm guilty of filming concerts instead of watching them. People need to realize that social media isn't really social and I think this video sends a strong message especially to kids who are addicted to their phones.
Mary Kate Agnew per 6
2/7/2015 04:17:51 am
I can understand what this guy is saying about people being on their phones too much. Not everyone is using their phone for social media though. Sometimes what's on your phone could be more important than what's happening aroud you. But, social media could never replace a missed life opportunity or memory. Social media is used to share the memories later but you still have to make sure you're enjoying the present.
Dylan Pontes Period 4
2/7/2015 04:53:03 am
I think it is terrible that everyone is glued to smart phones and other devices. I'm not saying that everyone should go and destroy their phones and other technology, but there needs to be a balance between social media, and actually being social. The man in the picture above missed a moment that I would cherish forever if I was in his shoes, a beautiful creature that I have only ever seen in pictures. I think the picture and the video in this post show how our reliance on technology for entertainment can lead us to miss some of the best moments of our lives. I think it is great that we have this technology available to us, but sometimes it is better to leave it behind and just enjoy life.
Julio Period 3
2/7/2015 08:39:21 am
I guess it depends on who you are. We have a choice to be or not to be attached to our technological overlords. I'm stuck to portable Tetris game, who knew. We're all different when it comes to technology; it's accessible and reliable, man has to limit the power that holds over us.
Brandon period 4
2/7/2015 12:26:18 pm
It is depressing that phones consume our lives and it saddens me that I am a product of this society. Not only can this man not appreciate the natural wonder of the whale, his attachment to technology displays our destruction of this world. Whales are endangered, and our "advancements" in all parts of life have hurt the environment drastically. It is disappointing that socially we are in desperate need of phones and our progression as a society has in turn hurt the natural world.
Danika Wayss Period 4
2/8/2015 10:27:41 pm
I often find that you know you are having a good time when your phone dies and you don't even care. A moment does not need an artsy picture to be memorable. I am not saying that I am not guilty of bringing my smart phone where ever I go because I most certainly am. I even have a tendency to check twitter whenever I "have nothing better to do". I guess it is kind of unfair to judge this guy for not looking up from his phone long enough to miss one of the world's largest creatures come up next to his boat because we don't know what he was looking at or its importance we just assume he was doing something ridiculous like liking a picture on instagram. However, this man does symbolize what has happened to society as a whole. Society tends to live in a fake world where people only share things to make other people envy the good times they are having. This fake cyber world also leads to missed opportunities.
Deirdre curry
2/10/2015 10:24:57 am
No matter the time of day, or the place I'm in, I always end up drifting away into something new in my phone. To be honest it's Twitter that really gets me at night while I'm just tired and laid back. After school when I find I have no homework or reading to do I feel unaccomplished, like I need to be doing something educational. Recently Snap Chat had an update in which a bunch of magazine companies could post on a daily. One of them being National Geographic, which is my favorite all time magazine. I get so into it that if you were to wave a hand over my face I wouldn't notice it. You'd literally have to take the phone out of my hands. So really what I'm trying to say is it's like reading a great book, filled with worldly information and news. Just when you feel like you've seen it all and you know everything there is out there, the next day everything is updated and new. You just want to suck up all the knowledge and newsfeed before it gets old.
Christian
2/11/2015 01:03:53 am
Honestly this is crazy. I cannot say im not addicted to my phone but, the amount of time people waste on their phones is astonishing. BuzzFeed Video actually did an activity showing how often we think we use our phones and how often we really do *****(Here is the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2urdlfmrpE)****** All we need to do is look up from our phones and see the real world. not some little virtual reality on your mobile device. Maybe you will learn a few things ^~^
Erin Lynch Period 2
2/12/2015 03:11:01 am
In my opinion i believe that we shouldn't be on our phones all the time. We spend most of our time staring at a screen when we could be looking at all the beautiful things around us. In a world thats so obsessed with technolgoy we dont appericate whats right infront of us. Its depressing to see kids in elementry school with cell phones, and other electronics, who will never experince what it's like to be outdoors.
Hannah Lawson Period 3
2/12/2015 04:32:00 am
I think that this video sends a very strong message to everyone, mainly teenagers our age. We are alway looking at our phones, scrolling through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. and we never take the time to look at what is around us. I agree with this video completely. It talks about how when we are all looking down at our phones and not really paying much attention to the world around us, we could miss opportunities. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
October 2015
Categories |