National Day of Unplugging begins at sundown

Twitter and Facebook feeds are abuzz, as they are every Friday, with posts about dates, movies, shopping and other weekend plans. During the course of the weekend, we will see updated statuses and pictures from our friends showing us what they've been up to. Some people, though, are forgoing social media from sundown today, March 1, through sundown tomorrow, March 2. This evening marks the National Day of Unplugging, an event encouraging folks to unplug from the cell phones, tablets and computers for 24 hours.

The unplugging project was created to make people aware of how much social media has permeated our culture. Members of the Reboot network, a nonprofit organization whose goals are to help the current generation connect with their Jewish identity, began the National Day of Unplugging as an outgrowth of The Sabbath Manifesto where members set aside one day per week to relax, unplug and unwind. Those interested in partaking in the National Day of Unplugging are encouraged to sign the pledge.

Unplugging events are being hosted in Los Angeles and San Francisco. According to the Huffington Post, one party in San Francisco, Unplug SF hosted by Digital Detox founder Levi Felix, will celebrate their digital detox with mingling, dancing, drinks and real-life versions of popular social media activities. Artists will be on site to hand draw profile pictures to commemorate the occasion.

Think you'll miss playing Words with Friends? Not to worry, party goers can try their hand at Scrabble, the original word game to play with friends. Write on the wall, a chalkboard where people can write public messages. Massages will be the real-life versions of the "Poke." Typewriters will be available for those that need to type a message; because typewriters don't have a simple delete button, the Unplug SF party host feels participants will be more aware of what they say.

Are you planning to unplug this evening? Tell us about your plans in the comments!

Image courtesy of HLundgaard via Wikimedia Commons.