I recently read this interesting NY Times article (written by a UVA alum to boot!) about cutting out technology — taking a “digital diet” if you will. I found this article particularly relevant because I was reading it on my laptop, with my new Kindle Fire sitting at my elbow and my iPhone sitting on my coffee table. Oh, and I’m pretty sure the television was on. It’s almost embarrassing to note how dependent I am on technology.

I’ve decided that I am going to go on a digital diet. No, I’m not giving up my new favorite toy nor am I turning in my iPhone. BUT I think it would be nice if I made a concerted effort to not check email / twitter / facebook while I am with friends. So, I’m going to try very hard to put my phone away when I’m sharing a meal or spending quality time (defined as a chunk of time that friends and I have reserved to see each other) with others. I’m excited to see how this diet works.

Have any of you ever done this? Are you irritated when others ignore you to play on their phones? I’ll keep you all posted on how this goes!