Do you think that technology plays too much of a role in our lives? Do you think that we are overly dependent on it in today’s society? 

 You are not alone.  

On Sept. 19, Booth Library addressed this issue directly by hosting its first ever No Tech Night on Level 4000 between 6 and 7 pm.

This event was the result of a decision made by EIU’s library ambassadors of Booth and a subsequent two weeks of planning.

“We have heard from students on campus that they are looking for ways to socialize and build community without their phones,” said first-year librarian Amy Odwarka. “So, the LAB wanted to offer a short window of time where people can get together to relax, unwind and ditch their screen for 60 minutes.” 

Multiple activities were provided for the 24 students who attended.

At one table, a group of students could be found playing UNO. On the next table over, another group could be seen coloring in various pictures. There was also a selection of board games and an overall welcoming environment for those who wanted to read or idly chat with their peers.  

Among these people were Alex Perez, marketing director for the LAB, and Krishna Daravath, a student in the technology department.

“Technology is a good thing and a bad thing,” Perez said. “For me, I’ll say it is a good thing. I use my computer a lot. It has all the software I need for my classes and assignments.”  

Daravath looked at the issue a little more positively.

“[Technology] plays a major role,” he said. “But everything our day needs, we have to keep it on technology.”

He also said we don’t have too high of a dependence on technology. 

Perez appreciated being away from a screen.

“I like that we have an hour for no phones or social media or the internet,” he said. 

Daravath had a similar answer that showed just as much support, saying it is better to have fun with friends, do some activities and just relax.

The students coloring and doing puzzles were engaged and determined to finish their work in the allotted time.

The ones who were playing games laughed, conversed with one another, remarked whenever something didn’t go their way such as having to draw a couple of cards, and generally just having fun in the presence of company full of others like them.

Throughout it all, not a single one of them used a phone, a laptop or any other piece of tech that would have allowed them to just as easily, if not more easily, communicate with each other.  

With a positive reception from the students, the LAB now aims to make No Tech Night a monthly event, though the date for the next one has not yet been confirmed. 

Ian Corrigan can be reached at 581-2812 or at deneic@gmail.com.