To the Editor:

In the hustle and bustle of our technologically driven lives, have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone, only to forget the simple reason you picked it up in the first place? I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking reel on Instagram during my regular doom-scrolling session, where an individual reminisced about the pre-mobile phone era, pondering what we used to do while waiting for friends in a café. This reflection sparked a realization about the grip our devices have on our daily routines and the precious moments we might be missing. I seriously do not remember what I did when there was no phone during my childhood. 

As a Ph.D. student at Clarkson, entrusted with planning my own day, I've often found myself veering off course due to unforeseen digital distractions. The constant notifications and colorful app interfaces are designed to keep us engaged and contribute to our increasing screen time. Have you ever innocently picked up your phone to check the time, only to find yourself lost in an app, 10 minutes later, having completely forgotten the original purpose? realizing the power of the app algorithm designed to keep you invested in them for as long as possible.  

This introspection led me to a decision – a challenge for myself and anyone willing to join in – "No Phone February." For the next 29 days (yes, even in a leap year), I'm committing to switch off my phone and rely on more traditional forms of communication, such as emails and letters. Of course, occasional Zoom meetings and scheduled video calls with family and friends in India are inevitable, but constant reliance on my phone will be put on hold. 

Intrigued by the Amish community's ability to schedule daily appointments without smartphones, I sought inspiration on embracing a simpler, less digitally dependent lifestyle. To capture daily memories, I'll be dusting off my vintage Kodak VR 35 film camera, replacing the instant gratification of smartphone photography with the nostalgia of film. 

The upcoming month is sure to present challenges and unforeseen hurdles, but my hope is that this intentional break from smartphone dependency will offer valuable insights into our technology addictions. "No Phone February" isn't just a personal challenge; it's an invitation to step back, reassess our relationship with technology, and rediscover the joys of simpler, more deliberate living. Join me in this digital detox adventure, and let's explore a world beyond the screen together.

Nagarajan Radhakrishnan
Potsdam