By Harshitha Kothapalli – Editor-In-Chief

On the night of Thursday, October 10, Milford witnessed the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Northern Lights. However, my takeaway from the magical happening slightly differed from the regular reaction of awe. 

As I looked up into the sky to see the blend of colors, my automatic reflex was to grab my phone and quickly scramble to take a picture. But, at that moment, everything seemed too surreal. It didn’t seem like my iPhone with a TrueDepth, Ultra Wide, and Main camera could capture such a feeling. 

When I told my friend that I saw the Northern Lights but I didn’t take a picture, she couldn’t understand my reasoning. This made me think about just how dependent we are on technology as a society. It isn’t exactly our generation’s fault for growing up in such a fast-paced world with a rapid flow of new ideas and technology. However, it’s our obligation to make sure we don’t let it disconnect us from the authenticity of the moments unfolding around us. 

In our day-to-day lives, we are constantly in contact with electronic devices. We wake up and check our phones, we go to school and open our Chromebooks or stare at a Viewsonic, we go home and turn on the TV (while also scrolling on TikTok), and then we press repeat and do it all over again. 

The use of technology has been linked to the causes of various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. My belief is that the second we look up from these tiny screens, not only will we have a reduced amount of headaches, but we’ll actually start to observe and enjoy the natural world around us.  

I know it’s never that easy. This modern world is so reliant on technology that it is almost impossible to live in this imaginary dream where we can look out our window all day long. That is why,we as a generation must find a balance. To make sure our children don’t experience their first rainbow through Cocomelon. To make sure that we don’t reminisce on the past and remember nothing of actual substance.

So, the next time you look up into the sky and see a pretty sunset, don’t immediately take out your phone. Instead, take a minute to appreciate the beauty in front of you, and let it remind you that some moments are meant to be felt, not captured.