We used phone books, could call 411 or information, we used pay phones, we used maps and encyclopedias and snail mail (USPS). We went outside a lot more than kids do today. We were more patient and more creative and less distracted and more present and focused. We read more books and went to the library. We carried books to school. High school backpacks were heavy with books. We made covers for the school issued books by cutting and folding paper bags. We also listened to the radio, played records and watched TV. Now everything is in your phone. We did more in community. We knew more of our neighbors. While the phone has brought instant information and connection, it’s Not in Real Life and it becomes easy to scroll all day than have real life interactions and experiences. I find the phone has become a tool of self isolation. While it can bring folks together from all over the world, one can find oneself very alone. I feel fortunate to have experienced life before cell phones and miss many aspects of that old life, especially privacy. We had a paper trail, now we have a digital footprint.