Affiliation:
1. The University of Texas at Tyler, USA
Abstract
This study examines data acquired from 120 undergraduate college students as part of a required assignment in which they were required to eliminate the use of all technology for a consecutive 24-hour period. The data were analyzed to determine (1) how they felt starting the assignment, (2) what technology they stopped using, (3) substitute activities used in lieu of technology, (4) how they felt at the conclusion of the technology moratorium, and (5) whether the participants would introduce long-term change in their use of technology. It was determined that, overall, students were apprehensive at the start of the exercise but subsequently experienced a positive experience at the conclusion. The most commonly identified technology device identified was a mobile phone. Substitute activities varied and included things such as sleeping, reading, and spending time with friend and family. Because of the positive experience, many indicated that they would be more mindful and modify their usage of technology devices.