The National Day of Unplugging calls for 24-hours of abstaining from technological devices.
The 24-hour event begins at 6 p.m. Friday, and calls consumers to not use cellphones, tablets, and laptops until 6 p.m. Saturday. This also includes non-use of the Twitter, and Facebook social media platforms, along with texting the Star Telegram reported Friday.
"It's become an international movement and a chance for individuals and families to pause and make a conscious choice to connect with the world around them," Robin Kramer, executive director of Reboot, an organization behind the event told the Star Telegram. "The NDU offers a welcome respite from the never-ending stream of digital information we are exposed to throughout the year."
The staff putting on the day is recommending people shut down their technological devices, and head outside to parks throughout their designated cities the Star Telegram reported.
"We expect tens of thousands of people at a minimum to participate in their own way," Tanya Schevitz, spokeswoman for the day told the Star Telegram. "We are hearing from people all over the world that this is something that is resonating with them."
Everyone at the beginning of the South By Southwest event in Austin are also urged to follow the day's initiative.
"We know that the people at SXSW Interactive are among the most plugged in and likely tech-addicted people in the world and we encourage them to take time to put down their cell phones, stop their status updates to talk face to face to each other - at least for a little while," Schevitz told the Star-Telegram.
Over 2,000 youths will use typewriters, and compete in board games at a large social gathering in San Francisco where they will reportedly be required to temporarily give up their cell phones when they enter.
Individuals interested in participating in National Day of Unplugging can input their information on a form on the event's website.
