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The Pointlessness Of Unplugging Analysis

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In “The Pointlessness of Unplugging,” Casey Cep, a writer for the popular site and magazine The New Yorker, addresses the topic of unplugging, and argues it is a pointless action due to the amount of those which plug back in. Cep begins by introducing the reader to the National Day of Unplugging, which takes place in March, and is a day to encourage rest from all media connections. She then acknowledges the various reasons many choose to take part in this day of unplugging: to spend more time with family, to stay in the moment, to enjoy life, etc. This topic is one that is relevant in today’s society because we are constantly surrounded by screens, Wi-Fi access, and social media drama. Ultimately, we have the choice to stay connected to technology …show more content…

She suggests technology has turned into something to fear rather than enjoy (Cep). For many paragraphs, she writes how the internet plays a part in American lives today, the good and the bad. Her argument begins to develop when she addresses how many people who participate in this movement do so to reconnect with their authentic versions. In the author’s opinion, the unplugging movement is motivated by two things: efficiency and enlightenment (Cep). “Those who seek efficiency rarely want to change their lives,” writes Cep. The author then moves on to the other spectrum, noting the enlightenment group changes their daily lives to come in contact with those they wish to connect with. To provide evidence, Cep mentions that she too found herself unplugging while still being plugged in. Our author appreciates technology for what it can provide. However, her problem with unplugging is that those who participate never really leave “the land of technology” (Cep). Cep supports her argument by stating that those who really benefit from unplugging never return, because they find what they are looking for. She believes that those who rely on technology rarely surrender their media lives and it is something inescapable. Cep concludes by clearly stating her thesis statement, “Those who unplug have every intention of plugging back in.” She accepts this …show more content…

Therefore, if unplugging is not a committed lifestyle change, then just as Cep said, it is ineffective. To address this problem Cep provides a suitable option, if we can’t step away from the technology which has been given to us then we should embrace it (Cep). I see this as changing the way we perceive technology. Let’s make it a place where we can be authentic and return social media to an outreach space where we can make meaningful connections with other people. If unplugging is not for you then find other ways to make time matter and just be

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