Technology controls people's lives.

Everywhere I go – the mall, restaurants or baseball games – the majority of people are using some type of technology.

Their earbuds are in, they're looking down and texting or they're holding their phone an arm's-length away, taking a selfie.

What does this say about human interaction in our times? Have we forgotten how to get along?

I get easily annoyed by these kinds of actions, especially, if it's with a friend I met up with.

Whenever I'm with someone who is constantly texting or checking the phone, I ask, "Am I boring you?"

Every time I ask this, my friend gives me an odd look and says, "No, why?"

I'll explain it seems the phone is more interesting than me, and, if my company is unwanted, I'll leave.

Some may think this is rude, but isn't it rude to be on the phone when there's company?

I think technology like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram give us a false sense of connection. We go on our computers and phones, alone and isolated, to feel a sense of community. We are all connected through mutual friends and status updates, but we don't know each other.

This is because, on social media, people don't post what they truly feel. Social media seems to be used to mold ourselves into what we want others to think of us.

it is a self-promotion and marketing scheme.

Everyone makes his or her life seem glamorous or perfect on social media. This gives us no real sense of connection with each other. We all know the perfect life is false, even as we read it, but social media allows us to pretend that everything is OK.

Some social media users seem to take pictures of every event that happens in their lives. What makes an event a special picture-worthy event? Is it that you've gotten up in the morning and showered, so it is the perfect time to take a selfie?

Sometimes, at a diner with friends, I challenge them to leave their phone unattended until after the meal, by saying, "The first one to answer his phone has to pick up the check."

The bottom line here is, shut off your phone. Step away from the computer. Go outside with no distractions – no ear buds, no texting, no social media. Walk around, take in the sounds of nature.

Say hello to someone you've never met, even if they're not your friend on a social network. Look your friend in the eyes as you speak. Talk about things that really make you tick.

Question everything without a fear of being judged by the masses. Do something without the motivation of receiving a "like" or a retweet.

Maybe something good can happen from it. Maybe you can experience something that is truly unbelievable and special.

Why not try it today?

Andrew Mark

Editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press