Independence is sexy.

You can’t listen to a good album nowadays without hearing the common theme of independence embedded in one of its songs. It’s celebrated nationally and internationally through music, art and life. Here in America, the 4th of July is all about the celebration of Independence. This 4th of July, I celebrated by watching a vibrant view of the fantastic fireworks display at the sexy Wynn Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. But I missed the majority of the show as I was too busy trying take a photo of the experience to share with my followers on Twitter.

Social networking has become a daily necessity for most of us. It’s opened up our world and decreased the degrees in which we’re separated by. Through technology, we can preview a movie, purchase the movie tickets and choose to recommend to a network of friends all from the convenience of our cell phone. This kind of technology is beneficial to our businesses and personal lives, but is it making our personal lives impersonal?

We email, tweet and Facebook our way through our lives without cease. Whether using the bathroom or on a date, you can find someone somewhere updating their status about both. For some, social networking is not working; it’s become a dependent source for unnecessary attention. For others, like me, social networking is great for business and keeping in touch with a fan base. Regardless of the reason, we can all afford to free ourselves from the constant need of a device. Tweeting while trying to enjoy life is like texting while driving – if you spend too much time doing either, you’re bound to miss something important – like a bright yellow sunset, or a bright red traffic light.

Those addicted to social networking, this is for you: Stop broadcasting the moment and be in the moment. Don’t let social networking take away from the quality of life. Twitter’s memory can’t capture vivid sunsets, the scent of vintage red wine or a hug from Grandma – but you’re brain’s memory can. When your iPhone battery dies, maybe then you’ll start living.

Those addicted to technology, this is for you: Take a break from technology for three days. We know you’re busy, but stop being obsessed with a to-do list. Those lists are hardly ever temporary – when items are checked off, new ones always replace them and when you die, there is still be unfinished business to take care of. Enjoy life! It isn’t always about “getting it all done,” but about enjoying each step along the way. Each step we take toward progression in life comes with a purpose – and that purpose doesn’t always require a status update.

The next time I’m at a fireworks show, you’ll hear my review after the experience. When you’re directly absorbed in your own world, you miss out on the beauty that the rest of the world offers. We all need a break from the world and contrary to popular belief; the world needs a break from us too. So stop reading this column on your iPhone and BlackBerry’s and go enjoy life in real life.

Pleasantries.

– Enitan Bereola, II

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Bereola is the go-to style and etiquette impresario, public speaker and entrepreneur. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed BEREOLAESQUE: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette book for the Urban Sophisticate. He is working on his follow-up, Guide to Ladies’ Etiquette from a Gentleman’s Perspective. Find him at www.twitter.com/Bereolaesque and at www.facebook.com/Bereolaesque