PRAGUE

            Prague was bittersweet because as much as I tried to enjoy every minute of it, I knew this was the last destination and the program was coming to an end.  I truly didn’t want the program to end, as I would wake up everyday ready to push myself out of my comfort zone and grow intellectually and socially in all ways possible. 

            Something that I have slightly held off talking about is arguably crucial to my whole project.  In taking 360˚ photos and thinking in 360˚ ways of trying to connect ideas and similarities it was hard for me to avoid the true impact of technology.  Being a consumer before ICS started, it was easy for me to “see life through a phone screen.”  It was to the point where conversations would start from something seen online, photos were taken before moments were enjoyed, memories were more thought-out while being recorded, the viewers were in mind before posting content, and so on.  I’m not saying that all of this is a bad thing but by taking pictures of everything around me, there was nowhere to hide behind the screen.  Then the worst part was realizing how many phones were raised to take pictures of the scenery, important landmarks, and special moments.  Ironically then I would join them in taking a picture of them taking pictures.  It feels so backwards.  The Prague astronomical Clock 360˚ photo was a purposeful decision to feature that photo because it was at nighttime and it was so obvious to see all the phones glowing. 

           Stuck in between thinking that technology is one of the most powerful and amazing tools enhancing what we have or know and being totally consumed by it is such an ultimatum.  I’m not saying that every person has to be one or the other and I’m not saying that I returned to the US phone-free.  However, I do think it is interesting that our initial instinct is to raise our phones.  In being more aware of how often we take photos, I kept thinking that there has to be a better way to document and enjoy life at the same time.  This thought-process only led to contact lens technology, which at that point I couldn’t decide, is better or worse than a Black Mirror episode.  I think that for now, the realization of how consumed the majority of people are in technology is an important step towards addressing this situation.  Before seeing how many people have their phones out to take pictures, I didn’t think it was that big of a problem until I noticed that I used to think it was normal watching life through Snapchat.  Only time will tell if we become more consumed with technology or if another alternative appears.