Our entire semester focused on technology and the ways it affects our society on a spectrum ranging from our everyday lives to global impacts. It wasn’t until we watched the documentary “Frontline: Digital_Nation” in class that I realized just how much of my time is spent using technology. Between my phone and computer, there’s rarely a moment when I’m not “plugged in” to technology. While the benefits of technology are extensive as in easy communication, constant Internet access, and simple applications such as my alarm clock and camera, I quickly realized that not all of the ways I use it are always beneficial.

A student in the documentary says, “Well over half of my life exists in the digital world,” which is something that made me take a step back and consider technology’s role in my life. Is it really necessary to spend that much time devoting ourselves to an innate object? Sure it’s convenient to contact a distant friend at the touch of a button or catch up on the latest news anywhere in the world at any time, but what about the endless applications that are purely entertainment including games that have the ability to isolate us from the world? This documentary made me realize that I need to evaluate my time I spend using technology and the time I spend without it to make sure that I do not become consumed by the entertainment aspect that technology provides. “Frontline: Digital_Nation” pointed out several beneficial impacts of technology such as efficient and effective teaching devices, but it also made it a clear point that technology is only beneficial when used in moderation.