The world fell apart today. It imploded. I could not check my Facebook while waiting in line, distract myself during lecture, or check my email…but really, I just left my phone and computer in my dorm for 24 hours. Throughout the day, I did not check any social media sites or return any texts, calls or emails.

Most college students define “sexting” not as this sordid way of spreading young nudity, but as a way of communicating feelings of intimacy toward a partner when separated. While in class or at a party, the conveyed desire is just a T9-touch away.

As college students, our phones and the Internet are what keep us feeling safely connected and comfortably findable in the world. Sometimes, however, we are so concerned with staying connected to everyone we know that we do not realize how we affect people around us, who are quite often annoyed by our phone-related habits.