Thoughts on the first day of Spring.

So I don’t actually know when the first day of spring technically is, if that’s even a thing (?), but today has felt like the first proper day of spring for me. Instead of being holed up in my room working on coursework or watching films – although I still plan on watching a Harry Potter tonight – I actually got up before 10am on a Sunday and went for a good three mile run. Please bear in mind that although this might be nothing to some of you reading, I’m definitely not a land animal and most definitely more of a water creature, so three miles is a decent amount for me! Whilst on my run I didn’t feel the need to be on my phone or on the Internet, and instead took my time to appreciate the views and to just be alone with my thoughts and myself. It saddens me slightly that in this society a large percentage of us focus our lives around technology. Now a part of this is great, of course it’s amazing that we’ve been given electricity and running water, but I think it’s a debate within itself as to what is too much technology? When do we stop using it to aid us in our everyday lives, and begin to let it more or less run us? I’m as guilty as anyone; I’m constantly checking my texts, or my twitter and instagram, but I don’t think it’s right or healthy. I especially don’t think it’s acceptable when children as young as nine are on the Internet, are able to post what they like and talk to whoever they like. The Internet can be positive if you approach it with care and an understanding of what the consequences and dangers can be, however when used in the wrong way the Internet can be damaging to others and yourself. It upsets me knowing these young children are online because they haven’t yet been taught the rules and risks of safe Internet, they haven’t grasped that the people they’re talking to might not always be who they say they are. The worst thing about it all, is why should they? Why at the precious age of nine and younger should they have to be exposed to such an adult world, it’s not fair and it’s cutting their childhoods even shorter. Although I am conscious that it is necessary for children to be aware of strangers of course, and I am fully aware that we are living in a new age of technology, it still saddens me that less and less children are playing and being creative and more are sat watching the TV, or playing on the iPad, and some even have their own iPhones. Personally, I am going to make a conscious effort to spend less time on my phone and on my laptop, and more time appreciating what’s right in front of me. (She says as she writes this on her laptop, ready to post it online *sigh*).