A Tech-Free Hangout Will Positively Impact Your Life

Try and remember the last time you and your friends hung out without your phones or any other technology. For me, it was before I even had any technology yet. I remember going outside with my friends every day, whether it was to bike, create obstacle courses, or just hangout, and we always had the best time. Now, we still have fun, but at some point, one of us will eventually pick up our phone to check a text.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a survey took place from July 2021 to December 2023 showing that 50.4% of teenagers ages 12-17 spent four 4 hours or more on screens. This study shows that technology is slowly taking over our lives, especially for teenagers.

In my perspective, people should decrease the time spent on their phones during in-person gatherings and one-on-one hangouts because it takes away from fully enjoying the moment. For instance, when you are at a boring family gathering with a bunch of people you do not know, looking down at your phone not only helps you avoid conversation, but also keeps you entertained. This takes away a chance to get to know someone, which could result in us feeling more distracted, isolated, and less connected to others.

A hangout with friends could quickly turn change from a way to form a stronger bond to an excuse for taking pictures together and posting stories. Pamela Pavliscak, author of the new book, “All the Feels: How to Stay Human in the Digital World,” said, “But the irony is that the more we document the experience, the easier it becomes to drift away.”

From my standpoint, people should spend less time on their phones during face-to-face time because phones can have a big impact on our social relationships. Being on our phones when we are with others is a waste of time. Why would you plan to spend time with someone if you just wanted to scroll on your phone?

Bringing your full attention to what the other person is saying could make you realize that you have a lot in common or a lot to catch up on. Reconnecting with others is the best way to form the best friendships. Even the awkward silence between your conversation leads to the next topic, whereas filling the hush by picking up your phone would probably end the conversation.

In my opinion, people should spend more time away from the stresses of the online world and replace it with time in the real world because it could remind us of our childhoods without technology. The joy of hanging out without tech could be brought back by just leaving your phone behind. By enjoying both the company and the moment, you can make the best memories and feelings that could never be captured by a screen.

We have plenty of time to spend on our phones, but not enough to spend with our favorite people. So, grab your phone just this time and text a friend you have not talked to in a while. Pick a date and a place, agree to leave technology behind, and let the face-to-face conversation lead the way.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db513.htm, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/06/18/well/summer-challenge-90s-nostalgia.html