On April 22, 1970, Americans celebrated the first official Earth Day.<\/p>\n
The holiday serves as a dual reminder to appreciate the planet\u2019s beauty and commit to its preservation. <\/p>\n
And for many, that starts with a simple, modern mandate: \u201ctouch grass.\u201d<\/p>\n
What does it mean to \u2018touch grass\u2019?<\/p>\n
The phrase has become a staple for younger demographics, for whom nine hours of daily smartphone use is the norm.<\/p>\n
Regardless of our age, social media often pulls us in until we are trapped in a cycle of \u201cdoomscrolling\u201d \u2014 another modern shorthand (much like \u201ctouching grass\u201d) popularized by journalist Karen K. Ho.<\/a><\/p>\n Merriam-Webster<\/a> defines the phrase \u2018touch grass\u2019 as participating in normal activities in the real world especially as opposed to online experiences and interactions. <\/p>\n It implies that when someone spends too much time on their phone or playing video games, they need to get outside and reconnect with the world around them.<\/p>\n Even Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has entered the fray, calling social media a \u201ccancer\u201d in a video posted on X<\/a> late last year \u2014 a move described as a \u201cscathing takedown of social media giants,\u201d as reported by the Deseret News.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis is your sign to log off and touch grass,\u201d Cox wrote in the caption. <\/p>\n BYU\u2019s Bear offers a local example<\/p>\n Others refer to it as grounding.<\/p>\n Many professionals argue that the physical act of walking barefoot may actually foster greater emotional well-being.<\/p>\n On any given Saturday night during football season, BYU\u2019s starting quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, can be seen walking onto the turf barefoot.<\/p>\n The grass roots of \u2018touching grass\u2019<\/p>\n