What is it like to be social without media? Can you live a day without your smartphone? Will a day without cellular technology end human civilization as we know it?
These are questions that Union University hopes to answer when it holds a “phone-free day” on Thursday, April 26, in which students who have registered will turn in their phones for nearly an entire day. In a world where technology rules our lives more than ever before, the goal of the event is for students to be able to better focus on other people and the world around them.
“Smartphone addiction is on the rise and studies have shown that technology can foster emotional, social and spiritual immaturity among young people,” the event advertisement reads. “We want to challenge Union students, faculty, and staff to put aside their technology for a day and plug into what really matters–our relationships, seeing the beauty that’s around us.”
The administration has planned an entire schedule for the day. The students who have registered will turn in their phones at the Logos between 8-10 a.m. on Thursday. At 4:30 p.m., there will be games outside the Bowld Gym. At 5 p.m., there will be a free dinner as well as door prizes in the Bowld. Finally, the last hour will consist of reflections by keynote speakers Justin Barnard, professor of philosophy, and Ashley Blair, associate professor of communication arts. Students will then receive their phones back.
Only the first 200 students who registered will be able to participate.
“I am just curious to see what I do with my free time instead of checking my social media,” said Austin Maddox, a junior public relations major. “I’m interested in what it is like to not have my phone for a day.”
The event will also play a role in the Union Cup race, as points will be given to the buildings that have students participating.
Photo by David Parks
