As a new chapter begins, I challenge Wash. U. students to consciously unplug from social media on a regular basis in order to create space in their own lives.

After a high school career that was generally light in text message communication, I came to college wielding a new Blackberry and no idea how much I would end up using it over the next two years. As soon as I got here, text messages quickly became a primary, and constant, form of communication in my life.

As the theory of human evolution predicts, Homo Sapiens have responded to the invention of cell phones by developing new mating rituals. Essentially, guys use text messaging to get girls. Or at least they try.

It’s one thing to become irate when you’re trying to drive to campus when the knucklehead in front of you sits at a green light because they’re blabbing on the phone. What about when you’re walking around campus and the person you’re holding a door for won’t hurry up because they’re also on the phone checking something on Facebook.

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.