Written by: Ritsuki Miyazaki

Could we be one step closer to information overload?

On Aug. 8, VSU released a new wireless network system that allows electronic devices to stay connected to the Internet for long amounts of time.

If you are not new to VSU, you might remember how frustrating it was when the system required you to enter your username and password every few hours to connect to Hallnet. Now devices can get smooth Wi-Fi access for browsing the Internet, checking e-mails or updating their social networks.

Technology has dramatically changed our lives. Think back to a few years ago: How many of your classmates took lecture notes on a laptop or tablet? How many professors even allowed students to use those devices during class?

These devices are now taking up a large part of our lives and the ways we communicate. As long as we are connected, we can talk with one another, no matter the distance. That’s a good thing, right?

To an extent, it is. Think about the time you got frustrated when the network servers were down. Were you pleased with modern technology?

According to a July 2013 online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on Jumio.com, 72 percent of U.S. smartphone-owning adults keep their devices within five feet of themselves the majority of time, 55 percent of them use their smartphone while driving, and, surprisingly, 9 percent use their smartphone during sex. Trying to limit the usage of their smart device to no more than 30 minutes a day must be a tough challenge for a lot of people.

How important is it to know what your friend ate for lunch yesterday? Think about the last time you went to dinner with a group of people and how many people had their phones in their hands and their eyes affixed to their devices. Imagine how nerve racking it is when you’re on a date with someone who is constantly typing on his or her phone.  Your date could be telling the whole world that you’re a horrible date when they’re the inattentive one.

It’s good to stay connected, but in the long run we don’t reap many benefits. We have to draw the line to disconnect ourselves from the smart devices that stay glued to our hands.