National Day Of Unplugging Promotes Genuine Social Interactions

Tech wise people are being asked to turn off their cell phones, tablets, and laptops for the National Day of Unplugging, which began at dusk Friday and continues until nightfall Saturday. The campaign is part of a national wave that has spread across the globe to over 125 nations.

The Reboot NGO began the unplugging campaign three years ago with the goal of making socializing less about online networking and more about genuine face-to-face interactions.

Tanya Schevitz, a representative for Reboot’s National Day of Unplugging noted:

“You’d be out to dinner and you’d see people at the same table together not even engaging at all, they were both on their phone.”

An unplugged party organized at the North Beach club Broadway Studio in San Francisco Friday night, attracted numerous guests, with a queue at the entryway of others holding up to get in. The visitors were welcomed at the entryway by staff wearing hazmat suits.

The greeters said the party was a digital detox and asked their quests to leave their gadgets at the door instead of checking coats. Some party goers remarked that they felt a bit odd being disconnected but they believe the campaign was a good thing.

Inside, there tables were outfitted with vintage typewriters where messaging required writing on paper. Guests had genuine socializing time, getting status updates while playing games, arts and crafts , and free back rubs. For some other people the night was about having a drink at the bar and listening to some great (acoustic) music.

Kirsten Ohm of San Francisco used to work in Silicon Valley and says she enjoys the thought of unplugging. According to her in Silicon Valley there are quite a few people who prefer to tech out.

Sachi Doctor of San Francisco, who left her telephone at home also remarked:

“We’re not preoccupied with our phone, are we missing a text, is someone liking one of our Instagram posts, we’re just here. There’s nothing else to grab for your attention.”

San Francisco’s Rec and Parks is additionally unplugging on Saturday. Sarah Ballard, an office representative announced Zumba and the nature strolls that will also include talks about the importance of unplugging.

For some, who use tech consistently, the Day of Unplugging is reminder. As visitors left the party, they received a “sleeping bag” for their gadget, to put it to rest until the campaign closes Saturday night.

Image Source: National Day Calendar