• Describe this man’s relationship to technology.

The man and the technology have a controlling relationship where the technology is in control to the point of abuse. The technology is tying the man down with different social media apps’ pointy sides and preventing him from seeing the real world. He does not even seem to have shoes to properly walk away. This ties into digital health and welfare from the Nine Elements website because the man looks both psychologically and physically distraught. He appears uncomfortable in positioning and from his facial expressions. The social media can be enjoyable, but this man does not seem to be able to walk away from it and create a well-balanced and healthy life for himself.

• Can technology really ‘hold someone hostage?’ Defend your viewpoint.

As an instructor, I have witnessed many students become so tied to their technology that they become disconnected from the outside world. Sometimes, yes, it can become psychologically as much of a burden as what this man appears to be going through. Technology can be used as a useful resource and form of entertainment, but it can also become so much so that a person becomes addicted and cannot connect with the outside world. For example, I currently have a student who is so addicted to Fortnite that he does not come to school 75% of the time, and when he does, he is so disengaged due to the lack of sleep long Fortnite hours have caused him. I also have a friend whose brother is a part of the virtual academy in Montgomery County Public Schools, so all of his learning is virtual. However, he takes advantage of this opportunity by not paying attention during his zoom classes and playing minecraft, instead. In general, the nation is having a phone use issue in classrooms and I witness many of my students using social media. It gets to the point that people pause or avoid their priorities and miss out on social opportunities to stay tied with their technology.

• What are some practical things you do to make sure YOU are in charge of your phone instead of the other way around?

I turn off notifications for the apps that draw my attention the most, including my outlooks, gmails, and instagram accounts. I also have routines in place, so that I do not use my phone, including not using it during classes since students cannot either, going to the gym after school, and charging my phone in an area away from my bed. I keep these routines, in order to create a healthy balance between my phone use experiences and my real life experiences.