In her essay, journalist Adriana Herreros explores the transformative impact of mobile devices on our daily lives and interactions with the environment. She notes how the convenience of smartphones has shifted the way people seek information and engage with ordinary activities, including waking up and walking. Herreros highlights that many individuals now measure their daily steps and set health-related goals, often tied to the idea of achieving a minimum step count for health benefits, which detracts from the intrinsic value of simply walking for pleasure.

Herreros argues that this trend has turned walking into a goal-oriented activity rather than a mindful practice. The joy and spontaneity of walking have been lost, as individuals often walk while fixated on their screens, focusing on the numeric achievements of steps rather than enjoying the environment around them. This change in behavior raises concerns about what it means to truly appreciate a stroll, which historically has been associated with relaxation and introspection.

Ultimately, the essay calls for a shift in perspective, advocating for walking to be appreciated as a fundamental activity in itself, disconnected from the pressures of daily life and fitness tracking. Herreros encourages readers to rediscover walking as a means of connecting with their surroundings, promoting both mental health and physical well-being, rather than as a mere statistic to be achieved through mobile technology.