I chose to go 24 hours without my laptop and Facebook. This proved to be a difficult task. Since it is the dawn of finals, I constantly needed to check my syllabi and review online study materials. I live in Adams, so every time I needed to do these things, I had to go to the Walker computer lab. Even when I did go to the computer lab, I did not use Facebook. I also did not read the Facebook notifications that are sent to my Blackberry via email.

I have my OU email synced to an email client on my laptop, so normally when I get a message, I am instantly notified. It was difficult to go without that comfort. It was more than annoying to have to go to the computer lab to check my email throughout the day. I am not really a Facebook junkie, so refraining from it was not too much of a problem.

Although less convenient than simply using my personal laptop, only using the computer lab and abstaining from Facebook turned out to be a good experience. I spent a LOT less time online and in my dorm, which was a nice change. I was motivated to get many things done at once so I would not have to make trips back to Walker. I got to talk with people I know but do not normally see outside of class when I was in the lab. I also had a LOT more free time.

I think Wendell Berry’s opinion in his article "Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer" is understandable. He chooses not to own a computer because it wouldn’t do anything positive for him. He would rather not rely on energy corporations at all. He relies on his wife to type and edit his work, and a computer would interfere with his relationship with her. He doesn’t think that a computer could make him better at what he does. I see his points plainly, but he lives a more frugal life than most people today. If I were able to rely less on technology, I would choose to. I would NOT choose to live without a computer, however. My laptop is a crucial part of my life because of college. I am reliant on it right now, and I would rather not ever go without one simply because they are convenient.

I am glad I spent a day without my laptop and Facebook. The Internet was not readily available to me, so I managed my assignments better, got my work done faster when I did go to the computer lab, spent more time with people than normal, and had much more free time. Abstaining from Facebook allowed me a couple of free hours that I normally spend catching up with friends and their statuses and pictures.

I am OUTRAGEOUSLY thankful for my oh-so-useful laptop, and I am not going without one anytime soon.