Thursday, July 28, 2011

Media Fast

A review:
You will undertake a “Media Fast” for 24 hours during which you will refrain from using ALL electronic media. This includes: cell phones, computers, Internet, TV, car radios, smart phones, iPods, CD players, etc. If you cheat, you must start over. Then, you’ll respond to a question that will be posted [here] on the course blog:

Describe your experience with the media fast. Was it difficult? Did anything happen that was unexpected? Could you do it on a regular basis (once a month, for example)? What did you learn about yourself?

Your post cannot be longer than one paragraph (6-8 sentences). Make sure to identify yourself or you will not receive credit for the assignment.

65 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yabsera Mesfin
The media fast started out like any other day. I usually don't use technology as often as a typically teenager, so the media fast wasn't that difficult for me. My day consisted of reading books and going outside. I could do the media fast once a week. I learned I'm not dependent on technology to have a good time.

8/01/2011 08:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Jamie Nguyen said...

I didn't find the media fast to be difficult at all. I spent most of the day reading and babysitting my siblings like any other day. I also decided to visit my great-grandmother, who recently had returned from vacation. I learned that I'm not as dependent on technology as I thought I was. I could easily spend one day a week without technology (that is if I don't have a lot of homework assignments to do). I also learned that it's best to inform my mother before I start the fast unless I want 8 miscalls from her.

8/01/2011 01:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mary Barclay
I found the media fast to be quite easy. I even found it to be enjoyable. I spent most of the time with my friends. When I first saw the assignment, I thought that it would be impossible to go a day without the media. However, the day flew by and I realized that I'm not overly dependent on technology. I believe that I could easily partake in a media fast weekly.

8/01/2011 07:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Eva Rosen said...

In some ways, the fast was easy. I read some novels that I hadn't felt like opening. I walked to a friend's house. I may be able to do it on a regular basis, but I'd rather not. I learned I can amuse myself without technology, but I've gotten so used to having it around that it feels dull not being able to use it at all. Still, I'm glad to know I'm not dependent on it.

8/02/2011 09:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Rachel Tucker said...

I had to participate in an assignment similar to this back in middle school and much like that last time, I found that I can amuse myself well without the modern technology I've grown so accustom to. I read, painted, played the piano, and rode my bike around. Of course being grounded makes this whole fast a bit easier; considering I'm not allowed to use my phone regardless. That aside, I still feel I could participate in this more often. Maybe not once a week(just because with school that sounds difficult), but once a month? Sure.

8/04/2011 01:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Vanessa Diaz said...

I won't lie - the media fast was rather difficult for me. Perhaps difficult is not the right word, but I was bored out of my mind. I entertained myself by reading, making origami, playing the piano, and cleaning. I realized that I could live without electronics, but I just relied on them for my amusement. I'm not sure if I can do it again. I'll have to wean myself off of my laptop, but it's possible.

8/04/2011 04:41:00 PM  
Blogger Vincent Tran said...

Overall my media fast was easy to deal with. It was quite a challenge towards the end of the day and at night however, as I was sorely tempted to get on the computer and check my phone. During the day of the fast, I occupied myself with practicing my piano more and going outside to swim. Honestly, I don't think I could do this on a regular basis. I feel lost without being connected in some way, whether it be a phone or a laptop. But I did reconnect with the idea that staying away from electronics was not impossible or fatal in any way. Given the choice however, I would rather stay with my laptops and phones.

8/05/2011 05:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Gladys Barbosa said...

Despite the fact that we are not dependent on electronic media, spending 24 hours restraining myself from it was a difficult task. I distributed my time amusing myself with reading, drawing, volunteering, and striving to undo the mess in my room. I was much more aware of technology's influence as I cleaned empty waiting rooms in the hospital. On a regular day there would be televisions, cell phones, computers, and music devises blazing all over the room. I feel like I could not do this on a regular basis because it would greatly affect school and work. If these were not a factor, though, I feel it would be much healthier to attempt and do this again a few times a month.

8/07/2011 01:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Joseph Griffin said...

This media fast was somewhat difficult. The house was quieter. No soft music playing from a stereo, no TV in the background, no cell phone buzzes. I read and cleaned most of the day, and I also volunteered at the library. It was not the lack of technology that was bothersome, but the boredom. It was strange not checking my phone for texts or getting on Facebook or listening to music. I would be able to do it monthly, I suppose, but it would not be an enjoyable experience. Seeing how important these things are to me shows how materialistic I can be.

8/07/2011 07:56:00 PM  
Blogger Guadalupe Garza said...

Guadalupe Garza
Honestly, the media fast was such an extremely difficult task for me. I kept having to start over due to the fact that I couldn't stop replying to the peeping of my phone. For the most part, I volunteered, it helped clear my mind from electronics. After that, all I did was hang out with a couple of neighborhood friends. I had to cancel a day of filming for this video I've been wanting to finish up. Other than that, my day felt really disconnected from the world. As I, myself, being an avid facebook user and always having my earphones plugged, can definitely not last long periods of time without electronic devices. Overall, it opened up my eyes into how much I really depend on electronic devices.

8/08/2011 07:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kathryn Odamah
I am not going to lie here. I cannot believe that I, Kathryn, actually went twenty-four hours without using my beloved electronics. I am so used to texting, listening to my iPod, and especially watching television that I almost had a nervous breakdown, literally. So yes, this media fast was very difficult for me and I learned that my life is so consumed with everything media-related. I probably couldn't handle the fast because when I'm bored at home, I usually look to these entertainment products to cure my boredom. I guess I need to not depend so much on these electronics for enjoyment when there are tons of other things to do. Until then, if someone asks me to undertake a media fast again, I'll simply say 'no' and smile. By the way, I could probably do this once a year, and I'm not being sarcastic.

8/08/2011 08:09:00 AM  
Anonymous Marco Negrete said...

Marco Negrete
The media fast was difficult for the reason that I'm always wearing headphones or have music blasting in the house. I had to refrain from my musical instruments for obvious reasons, yet that was still unexpected until the day of the fast. I could do it regularly, but I wouldn't want to. What I learned about myself is that electronics do not impede me from spending time with my friends and family because no one noticed I was partaking in the fast, so I can continue using them without any guilt of becoming an island.

8/08/2011 09:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Xany Carter said...

Alexana Carter
Truthfully, the day wasn't that difficult for me. I turned off my phone and left it on its charger in my room for the day, so that didn't bother me much. I slept for over half of it and slept the rest of it reading, swimming, and doing this for my mom. It was difficult to find something to do at first, because my first thought was to play video games, but after I started reading, I lost track of time and actually added an extra hour without technology. It made me realize how dependent my family is on cell phones to keep in touch, even within our own house, though. I ended up with missed calls from my mom, brother, and dad. I think I could easily do this once a month, if not more often, but my family would probably end up rather annoyed.

8/09/2011 11:06:00 AM  
Blogger Isabel Perez said...

Even though I always thought of myself as being pretty independent from technology, I found this fast to be quite difficult. All of the things that I planned to do, like clean the house, didn't take as much time as I thought, and I just found myself to be bored quite frequently because I was home alone. I found not having the television as background noise unsettling at first, but it allowed me to accomplish certain things that I had been putting off on my own, and I thought of it as more of a time of reflection from things I had been ignoring by using electronic media. I could probably do this fast once a month if I keep extremely busy, because I learned that as of late, I'd been relying on technology too much for amusement and a way of forgetting about certain issues. This media fast ultimately put some things into perspective by allowing me to really open my eyes to how much I depended on media, and really think about things that I didn't give as much attention to when I had access to media.

8/09/2011 11:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Michelle Thornton
The media fast was somewhat difficult for me, because i love music and movies. Not using my phone wasn't that difficult because I turned it off and left it in my room. Since it wasn't in my sight, I hardly thought about it. While doing the media fast, I read books, drew pictures, went to the park, and played Uno with my little brother. I could possibly do a media fast once a month, as long as its not on a busy day. I learned that although I'm always surrounded by electronic media, I don't have to use it in order to function.

8/09/2011 04:44:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fatima Frausto
The media fast was actually nerve-wracking at first since time went by slowly. What helped was to help out in chores and started to catch up on some neglected reading of magazines. That went by faster than I expected so I started to knit and cross-stitch some items for the rest of the day. I've gone days without even touching the computer, but it was easy since I had other types of media. Out of this entire ordeal, I realized I let TV rule my definition of time. However, that's the point of a media fast; you have to make the discovery.

8/11/2011 11:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Alex Hayden said...

The media fast was kind of difficult for me at the start of the day. I'm used to watching T.V. right after I wake up, but in this case I had to think of other things to do. However, after I came up with activities that I would normally not do, (clean the house, invite family over to swim, take my dog for a walk), I found the day to be much more enjoyable than I had previously assumed it would be. I could probably participate in a media fast once a month but not once a week, especially during the school year. A day without the use of technology made me realize that, to my dismay, I am very dependent on it. However, it also made me realize that I don't need electronics to have a good time.

8/11/2011 03:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Karsten Hays said...

Karsten Hays
I found the media fast to be quite easier than I was expecting. I had been dreading this particular assignment for the days, but the day flew by rather quickly. The only thing that really bothered me was the fact that the house was quiet without any music/tv on. I spent most of the day reading or doing other homework, and I went for a jog in the evening. I am positive I could do this once a month, and even as often as once a week. I don't believe I am overly dependent on electronics.

8/13/2011 11:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Laura Rosales said...

The media fast for me was quite difficult. My cell phone and the tv were not so bad, it was the ipod that really got me. I slept in through half, caught up on some reading, and cleaned the disaster that was my room. Without music, cleaning was a drag and I found myself bored out of my mind. I suppose if I really wanted to I could do it monthly, but it wouldn't be at the top of my list. From this experience I've learned that I could live without technology but I'd rather not.

8/13/2011 04:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Rebecca Gonzalez said...

The first hour of the media fast was difficult, because I wanted to use my phone. However, the rest of media fast was actually enjoyable.
I had a chance to relax and actually got a lot done. It's possible that I could do a media fast about once a month. The problem is its very difficult to do that with school and other activities.

8/13/2011 06:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Ximena Carrera said...

The most difficult part of this media fast was the lack of background noise in my house, whether it was the radio, my Pandora, or the TV. The night before the fast, I turned my phone off and put it away, so I wouldn't be tempted to respond to texts when I woke up or throughout the day. My day was pretty normal; I took a morning jog, cleaned the house, advanced in the summer reading, practiced piano, and drove around the neighborhood
(with the car radio off of course). In band, part of the leadership try-out process is to go a week without any electronics or communication unless it was school related, so this 24 hour fast was pretty easy compared to a whole week. I could probably do this fast once a month, unless I need the Internet for school related things. This present (and past) media fasts have taught me that I'm not that dependent on my phone or the TV, but going without music is one thing that is really difficult for me.

8/13/2011 06:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Walter Oliver said...

The media fast wasn't very difficult at all for me. It was like a normal day. The only difference was that in place of watching television, I substituted reading. It was helpful in getting me to focus on summer assignments that need to be completed as well as "slowing me down" to where I wasn't worried about everything going on around me, yet I was still aware. As I previously said, the media fast wasn't a big undertaking for me. When trying out for a leadership position in the band(i.e. drum major or section leader) there is a mandatory media fast that lasts a week AND you aren't allowed to socialize in any form, meaning no verbal communication unless school related. I've done this week-long fast for two years, and will again participate in the fast in April, so I've found other things to do to replace my "tech-toys". The main thing I missed was my phone because I'm usually glued to the screen, but going without it was nothing too difficult to do. Going once a month without technology probably wouldn't be too difficult, and during the school year it would probably help me to get things done and not procrastinate.

8/13/2011 07:53:00 PM  
Blogger Becky Bell said...

Becky Bell

To be honest, my media fast was a tad bit uncomfortable. Although it was nice to be disconnected from all the noise and news feeds for a day, I kept finding myself inching toward the computer or mindlessly reaching for my phone. But I have never gotten so many things done in one day! Well, I may be exaggerating a little. I did catch up on homework, reading, and the news, and I practiced my cello. I learned that whenever I was looking for something to do, I would want to get on Facebook, check my email, or listen to music. I realized how our society is constantly looking for distractions and that it's hard to drown out all the constant demands for our attention. I could definitely do the media fast on a regular basis as a reminder that sometimes it's better to give our attention to one thing at a time and, heaven forbid, actually find ourselves with nothing to entertain us.

8/14/2011 06:52:00 PM  
Blogger Jonathan Anguiano said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

8/15/2011 12:07:00 PM  
Blogger Jonathan Anguiano said...

The media fast was much easier then I thought it was going to be. Since I have gotten more “toys”(XBOX and iPod), I thought that I wasn’t even going to be able to make it through an hour, but it turned out to be pretty easy. I ended up doing household chores, fixing anything that was broken or I thought that was broken, (that was fun), reading, and spending time playing around with my sisters. Most of this seemed very familiar; I always did this kind of stuff back when I was younger. I realized that I am not so attached to technology then I thought I was and that I think that’s a good thing since I try not to be. Now could I be able to fast more often like once a month? Probably so. Do I want to? Not really.

8/15/2011 12:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Monica Ventura
The media fast was painless for me. I knew it’d be disturbing if I spent the day bored at home, being tempted by all my electronics, so I left them behind. I spent the day around the neighborhood and at my cousin’s house with friends. Hanging out with them, and doing things we usually do kept me and my mind nowhere near electronics all day. It wasn't difficult until I got home and had nothing to do, but I fell asleep pretty soon. I could handle doing this every once in a while, as long as I‘m with people who can entertain me as good as technology can.

8/15/2011 04:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Linda Buehler
For me, the media fast actually wasn't as difficult as I originally thought it would be. I didn't find myself missing the TV or my cellphone too much; however, I realized that I depend on my iPod and computer to entertain me quite a bit. I spent the beginning of the day and part of the afternoon reading books or working on homework, and I babysat for most of the evening. As long as I had something to keep my mind busy and didn't think about the electronics I wasn't allowed to use, the time passed by rather quickly. I found the day to be more quiet than usual without the TV on or music playing. I think I could do a media fast once a month as long as I didn't need the computer for schoolwork.

8/15/2011 06:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Amy Cox said...

I found the media fast to be fairly easy. The most unexpected aspect of it was my realization that my electronic devises have almost become an extension of my arm. It seemed to be a reflex to reach for my phone or the television remote whenever there was any down time. I've always been a bit of a fan of simplistic lifestyles, so I'd like to see how long I could go without my electronics. It may have been a bit easier for me since I was on vacation in Colorado. I had access to a four-wheeler and beautiful scenery. Also, I didn't have any internet access. I hope one day I'll be able to live without relying on all the electronics on a regular basis.

8/16/2011 01:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Samip Sheth said...

I thought that the media fast was not incredibly difficult to complete. The fast, only about fourteen hours for me, was a little irksome, but not exasperating in any sort of way. I was lured by one’s typical assortment of electronics, but I particularly missed the polemical conversations about sports on the radio. Without the radio chatter, I read the newspaper, worked in the yard, and practiced the piano for some time. I felt that the quietness of the house was initially odd, but it soon became quite enjoyable. The void created by the lack of electronics provided a much more productive environment as I learned that electronics are powerful enough to change my routine and thinking, and cause me to arrange my schedule around recreation as opposed to focusing on what I really need to do. I wouldn’t mind partaking in the fast three times a week, but (as others have said) school presents it’s own challenges.

8/16/2011 03:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Mikayla Magalindan said...

Abstaining from electronics was not that difficult for me. I don't use a lot of electronic devices such as a computers, television, or radio on a daily basis, so the only actual challenge was avoiding my cellphone for a day. Because I'm able to spend hours on social networks and messaging on my cellphone, the fast was a good experience for me, providing the opportunity for me to take part in different things on a media-free mindset. During my fast, I spent a lot of time hanging out with my sisters, making desserts, and helping around the house. I personally liked "media fasting;" there's a good feeling that comes with prioritizing other things before the almost religious use of electronics. I could definitely do this again.

8/16/2011 04:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Walter Poffenbarger said...

The media fast was easier than I anticipated. I had to start over in the middle of the day because I walked in on someone watching TV, but a few extra hours weren't a big deal. I spent a good part of the day reading, and I took a five hour nap. The media fast also amplified Neil Postman's message in "Amusing Ourselves to Death." It helped me to see how trivial most media is. I could do this again.

8/16/2011 05:24:00 PM  
Blogger Alia Eckardt said...

This came with a few frustrating moments, but the media fast was simpler than expected. The most difficult part was the cut off from music, which I do not regularly consider when I think about technology. It was more difficult convincing my siblings to abandon the TV to help me than it was avoiding it. I believe I could do this on a regular basis, and once a month isn't much to ask. I slept, I swam, it really felt like just another summer day.

8/16/2011 08:36:00 PM  
Blogger Madison Spencer said...

The media fast went pretty much as expected. It wasn’t difficult to refrain from using my phone or television; it was the computer and radio that got me. I chose to fast on a weekday while I was working so it would be easier. It was, during the day. But, when I got home and saw my whole family using some kind of media, I was constantly reminded of the media I was trying to avoid. While not being able to use media, I felt really disconnected. I learned that I’m not dependent on technology but that it makes life more convenient. So, although I could partake in a media fast monthly, because of the inconvenience I won’t.

8/16/2011 09:04:00 PM  
Blogger Briana Vela said...

Briana Vela
The media fast was pretty difficult for me. I'm used to texting my friends throughout the day, so not talking to them for a day felt strange. The hardest thing for me was not being able to listen to music. I'm so used to having my headphones in while I do stuff around the house, so it felt quieter. However, there was a good feeling to it. I was able to accomplish more because i didn't have to check my phone every few minutes. I believe I could do this once a week if we didn't have to use the computer for homework.

8/17/2011 04:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Adanna Teemac said...

The definition of media states that it is “the main means of mass communication regarded collectively”. This generation relies more on media than any other generation before. The question poses, however, what would happen if this source of livelihood was taken away? I was able to answer this question. This “Media Fast” turned out to be one of the most difficult things for me because I thought that I had been cut off from the world. I began to learn that I was more dependent on finding out what was going on outside of my house through news sources and social networking sites that I never actually went outside of my house. Although the day moved very slowly without time killers like the television and computer, I knew that this was good for me because it allowed me time to reflect. I believe that this would be a good idea to do on a regular basis in order to keep my priorities and life balanced.

8/17/2011 07:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Patrick Moore
I thoroughly enjoyed my media fast but I perhaps had an unfair advantage over my fellow fasters, as I conducted my fast while backpacking in the beautiful, mountainous region of north-east New Mexico. The detachment from others and wondrous scenery gave a superb time to reflect upon and ponder life, questioning what the true reality of this world is. An interesting realization that I made was that when electronics are pushed aside, your bond with the people around you grows much stronger, developing a very real kinship. My fast was met with such ease that I extended it throughout the entirety of the trip, a total of 6 days. Rest assured, however, that I am once again using mass-media devices and have made a full recovery. The fast made it necessary that I discover my own way to use the large amount of free-time budgeted by the absence of electronics. With necessity being the mother of invention, I found it. Now if you would excuse me, I must go check my facebook.

8/17/2011 10:02:00 PM  
Blogger Melanie Pinales said...

Melanie Pinales

I decided to undertake the media fast at a church camp I went to this summer, making it easier than I thought it would be. Instead of getting on Facebook, listening to music, the radio, or texting I was reading the Bible, praying, or worshiping God. I found it to be very beneficial in my relationship with God. Getting away from technology made it so much easier to give my full attention to God. I liked the media fast and might consider doing it again.

8/18/2011 09:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Gus Garelick said...

Before taking my fast, I was dreading my tech-free day. However, once my fast began, I was shocked at how easy it was to continue. I no longer felt weighed down by the pressure to be on top of everything that was happening to everyone I know. Without the distractions provided by technology, I was able to truly appreciate the day. I found that I am still able to have a good time - or even have a better time - without my usual barrage of "information." I realized that these toys are like a drug, but they are the root of the disease they treat. Our constant boredom is not stopped by technology; it is caused by technology. I could certainly undergo this fast on a monthly basis and would be better off for it.

8/18/2011 10:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maria Torres

The media fest was somewhat difficult for me because I'm used to always having my ipod on or at least some background music during the day. Surprisingly one of the easier things to avoid was my cellphone since i had lost if the day before I just decided not to look for it.I spent most of my day reading, cleaning and catching up on some lost sleep. From the media fest I learned that I'm not so dependent on technology as I thought I was. I think it would take some effort, but I could probably do it once a month.

8/18/2011 12:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Noah Menodza said...

My media fast was purely amazing. I actually extended it to a week. Who needs electronics when they can so easily be replaced with the relaxing beauty of the Bahamas? When I returned home, I found that watching re-runs of Family Guy was not quite as exciting as being chased by a barracuda. Video games werent as rewarding as swimming against the ocean current to get a better look at an 8 foot long stingray. In all honesty, by the end of the trip I was in dire need of an Xbox 360. That tells me that going without media is easy for me, but only for short periods of time. I was pleased to find myself playing music and socializing more often, but I am addicted to technology and I love it.

8/18/2011 04:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Michelle Lee said...

Not being able to use the electronic devices that I use on a daily basis was actually not very difficult at all. In fact, I would say that it was a positive experience. My day turned out to be a lot more productive than usual, since I was not distracted by my phone or Itouch. However, not having my ipod to keep my mind from focusing on the scorching hot weather during my morning jog was a bit bothersome. Television was not difficult to fast at all, seeing that I never use it. Nothing unexpected occured. This is something that I could definately do on a regular basis. Actually, it is something that I should do on a regular basis. Trying to not be technology-dependent is something that our society would find difficult nowadays, but I think it's healthy to take a break from electronics once in a while. I learned that I can be easily distracted, but if I put my mind in doing something, it can be easily accomplished.

8/18/2011 05:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Claudia Ramirez said...

I found the fasting to be quite easy in the beginning. The day started off with just me, my niece and my little brother. So, it was easy to stay away from technology since they're already a handful to take care of. If we got bored, we would go out for a walk, and when they rested, I would clean. Cleaning was weird though, well, anything was since I'm use to music in the background. The hardest part was when the rest of my family came home. Each and every one of them wanted to watch TV or use the computer; They weren't cooperative either. So I slept a while and then went out for a run until the coast was clear. I would definitely do it again, but, outside of home; Somewhere on a trip, it's a good way to relax. I love technology, but, I realized how lazy it can make me. Before doing this, I thought I had no time to do anything! Now it's just a matter of pushing the button off.

8/18/2011 06:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Jade Chacon said...

During this media fast, I encountered several obstacles, for instance my family teasing me with the TV, and using their phones in front of me, but thankfully, I didn't give into temptation! I also now know why they call a BlackBerry a CrackBerry, because I was having withdrawals. The only part that I found was a bit easier was the TV, because I don't really watch that much television to begin with. Basically, I learned the two media devices that I use most are my BlackBerry, and my laptop. Life without my music was a bit challenging also, but I figure if I had my music on my phone, it wouldn't be as terrible. Although I did find myself getting so much more work done without the distractions of the media, I will probably never do this media fast again voluntarily.

8/18/2011 08:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Spencer Abrams
At first, the media fast was somewhat difficult. After I thought of some things to do, however, it was much easier. I bought some school stuff, did my summer work, rode my bike, and went to the pool, and before I knew it the day was gone. Although I wouldn't want to, I could probably do this once a month. I learned that although much of my life revolves around technology, I can do fine without them.

8/19/2011 10:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Yonatan Getahun said...

I thought I would have little difficulty when faced with this media fast. I had lived my childhood in an environment where most electronic media was completely foreign so I was accustomed to life without such technology. I awoke on the day of the media fast without any panic, any concern, or any planning out of my day whatsoever. I just did what I would normally do, and I cut out all those little bits of time consumed by electronic media. However, I found that the amount of time I normally spend using electronics was anything but little. I hadn't anticipated having to fill hour-long voids with something other than watching TV or browsing the web. So, to detach myself from temptation, I left my house and mounted my bike. I rode to the community pool, visited a garage sale, played tennis, and, at the end of the day, played a heated game of Monopoly with my family. I normally perform most of these activities on a weekly basis without the motivation of a media fast. I learned I'm not so dependent on these gadgets. I'm sure could do this once a month without any difficulty but I don't see the benefit of doing so. Electronics don't hinder me, they only distract me.

8/20/2011 07:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Josh Barrera
I thought the media fast was kind of difficult, but overall a good experience. I spent most of it trying to read, and even though it was hard to stay awake I managed to get through Amusing Ourselves to Death. Most of my fast was spent alone since, the t.v. is a major part of my household, but the time alone let me focus on reading. I thought it was kind of weird that I had a harder time staying awake without electronics, but I don't know what to attribute that to. I don't doubt that I could undergo this fast again, and I don't see why I shouldn'ty occasionally. However, I can't fathom doing it weekly or even monthly, especially at my house or even in an urban environment.

8/20/2011 09:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Iyakarn Charoenwattanasuk said...

I found the media fast to be quite easy since I did it during the time I went on a religious camp. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. My media fast lasted 3 days because that was how long the camp was. Even though it wasn't hard, I don't think I could do it on a regular basis. I can probably do it once a week. Lastly, I learned that I can actually sit down and read an interesting book for 7 hours straight. I didn't know that was possible for me since I am always distracted by electronics. Because of the media fast, I finished 6 novels.

8/20/2011 11:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Lucy Zhang said...

Lucy Zhang

The media fast was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I was able to catch up on some novels that I've had lying around. I probably couldn't do this on a regular basis. I always seem to have to help my parents with the television or computer. They were a little lost while I was doing the media fast. I have learned that I am fairly dependent on technology and electronics.

8/20/2011 03:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brian Tschiemer
I dreaded this media fast and did not think I would be able to complete it; however, I attended a Young Life camp which did not allow any electronics forcing me to complete the fast. At first the adjustment was difficult, I wanted to check what time it was on my phone constantly. Another part of the fast that I really found challenging was abstaining from listening to music; I could cope without my phone or my constant news updates, but I really struggled with my music. After the first couple of days of my fast I finally adjusted to my loss of electronics and very much enjoyed the feeling of not always being connected.

8/20/2011 09:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Luz Trejo
In order to deal with my media fast, I decided to wake up late, swim, and clean the house, but it didn't work out as planned. I woke up at a certain time I didnt know, and my immediate instinct was to grab my cell, luckily I remembered i couldn't use it. I spent the whole day trying to avoid any technology possible, and by half the day I came to the conclusion that it was impossible! Every where around me someone was using any form of technology, and it was absolutely difficult to not give into the temptation of my fingers feeling the smooth, black keyboard that belongs to my laptop. In all, I would describe this experience as eye-opening, I realized I relied entirely too much on technology that I dont appreciate the things life has to offer besides what us teenagers are important things in life (cellphones, radios, etc.). In my opinion, everyone should be able to have at least one day to just focus on life and not the man-made innovations that have brain-washed our minds. I would actually be content in doing this "media fast" once every two months.

8/21/2011 02:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ketzia Abramson
Considering I have been participating in the media fast, since I am of the Orthodox Jewish faith, for almost every Saturday for the past sixteen years, I didn't find that this one was any more difficult than the last. There have been times where it gets a little more challenging when it becomes a 48-72 hour period due to the coinciding of other Jewish holidays during the week. Although there are times where not being able to use any sort of electrically powered device can be quite irritating, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity that I have. It's incredible to be able to have a designated day every week where you can just say stop. Between work, school, the media, and other pressures it's necessary to be able to take a break from all of it. I usually spend my day reading, playing board games with my siblings, or just talking together with my family. It's the day of rest because everyone needs a chance to be able to recover from the past week and prepare for the next. I love the idea of the media and I fully support and encourage it because it shows you what's irrelevant in your life and points you towards what's really important.

8/21/2011 07:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Art Leangsuksun said...

Although maintaining my sanity is nearly entirely dependent on the use of media, I surprisingly found the Media Fast relatively easy. My 24 hours consisted of sleep and work on summer assignments, as well as back to school shopping. I think it'd be difficult, yet manageable, to do it on a regular basis. However, I'd prefer not to. I learned that without the distractions of television, text messaging, and social networking, I'm able to accomplish much more than usual.

8/21/2011 11:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Laurel Greilich said...

I've noticed that as I have gotten older, I increasingly rely on electronics to entertain me when I'm not with friends or completing some task that is required of me. Due to this, I was pretty positive that attempting to not have a small mental breakdown because on am acute technological deficit might prove difficult. So as you can see, I was already entering this challenge with a bit of skepticism of my ability to get this job done. About a week ago, I traveled to California with my family for our summer getaway from the Texas heat, and decided I would accomplish the Media Fast on the day we went hiking in the redwood forest. Surprisingly, I had an amazing time. I was out in nature, enjoying picturesque scenery and my family's company all day. There was a feeling of serenity, and much time to think about things in my life I wouldn't normally question. After we arrived back at the cabin in which we were staying, I spent the rest of the day talking and playing board games with my family members. A bit of jealousy rose up in me when I saw my little brother playing his GameBoy, and my elder brother on his phone. But I had such an overall easy and peaceful experience that I wouldn't mind putting aside a day a month for myself, my thoughts, and perhaps personal projects.

8/21/2011 12:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Grace Yoo said...

I didn't find the media fast to be as difficult as I had expected. I got a lot of my summer work done. I don't think I could do it on a regular basis because I am usually not at home most of the time and I need my phone to call my parents to pick me up whenever I need them to. My phone is my main media of communication with my parents. I can maybe learn to live without television, radio, and music for a while but I'm really dependent on my phone. I learned that I had more self control than I thought.

8/21/2011 01:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Steve Olivas,
My media fast went by pretty smoothly. My day consisted mostly of exercise. I woke up pretty late with the fast on mind, so I put away my electronic devices and tried not to think about them. I did everything like I normally would except that when I got bored, I went outside, worked out, and played basketball instead of playing xbox or messing around on my laptop. The only thing that made my fast hard was Texas weather and the thought of the commonly used electronics that we use unconsciously. What I learned about myself was that if I didn’t use technology as much I would be in much greater shape, and I could definitely do a media fast once a week.

8/21/2011 02:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Cheyenne Jones
I chose to do my media fast on a day where I had a lock in at my church, so I had something to take my mind off of it. I use electronics when I'm bored and by taking away the boredom factor, the fast went more smoothly than it would have if I wasn't at a lock in. It would have been much more difficult for me if I was stuck at home all day, because electronics take up much of my time. I would probably be able to do a Media Fast once a month, but it wouldn't be easy for me.

8/21/2011 02:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Madison Larmeu
Mediafast was not difficult, it was unexpectantly easier to deal with than I initially thought it would be. I think I could do it once a month or so.It made me realize that I didn't need to rely on technology as much as I do.

8/21/2011 04:23:00 PM  
Blogger Natalia Johnson said...

I thoroughly enjoyed the media fast. I was lucky enough to be on vacation with my extended family, so the 24 hours seemed to go by quickly. My day was spent taking a hike with my cousins, browsing through a book store, and cooking. It felt liberating to be able to cut myself off completely from media, although not being able to listen to music was a bit difficult. I could definitely devote one day each month to participate in a media fast. It may be more of a challenge next time, but it's worth it for the sake of peace of mind.

8/21/2011 04:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Neftali Gomez
I have to say that the Media Fast was not as bad as I thought it would be. It was rather relaxing. Being separated from technology for twenty-four hours allowed me to have a very productive day. I finally cleaned out my backpack and my room from top to bottom. I spent quality time with my nieces and nephews. I could participate in a Media Fast maybe monthly because it is nice to get away from issues every once in a while. If I do try this again; however, I would like to spent it outside where it is easier to free yourself from technology.

8/21/2011 04:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bethel Kumsa

As I tried to complete my media fast, I ran into difficulty with exactly what I expected I would, refraining from music. I did mine during a move when my gadgets weren't really available to me, all but my phone. While my phone was really not tempting at all, the music player on it was. During most of the move I talked to my mother and brother; we joked, we laughed, and I realized they were a really good time. The problem started when they left me alone to paint, alone with my phone that is. I fell into temptation two days in a row; the third day I was determined, and I hummed a lot. I can probably make this a weekly thing, I could probably use the time to learn to play instruments.

8/21/2011 05:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chris Rodriguez

The media fast was okay. I thought it'd be a little hard, but playing soccer and baseball with my cousins and tios wasted a lot of time. The rest of the time I just slept off. Since I play around outside like an idiot almost every day, I might be able to pull this off for a month.

8/21/2011 07:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Drake Carmichael

During the long 24 hour fast, I realized how much I use electronic devices. It's not that I'm dependent on them, I am just so used to using them that I kept finding myself subconsciously trying to. One major thing i noticed is that most mediums for making music are electronic. From amps to computers, modern music is almost completely dependent on electronic devices.

8/21/2011 08:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Alcindor Leadon said...

The media fast was very easy. It didn't feel that different from any ordinary day in my life. I enjoyed it. I would definitely like to try it again sometime. However, a media fast would be nearly impossible during the school year, because obviously I'll have a lot of reports to type and projects to do. My only weakness was that when I had the urge to hear a song, and reached for my Ipod, I had to remind myself. Living without music would be the only challenging aspect of a prolonged media fast.

8/21/2011 08:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I didn't media fast, YOLO

5/22/2012 07:39:00 PM  
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