Think: Does technology free us or trap us?

For 23 years, the Great American Think-off in New York Mills, Minn., has helped thaw the collective brain of Minnesotans, paralyzed by the mind-numbing winters.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center sponsors the contest, which awards $500 and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York Mills to those who submit the most compelling essays.

The organization has released this year’s theme: Does technology free us or trap us?

Writers should ground their essays in personal experience rather than philosophical abstraction, the rules say.

Participants have until April 1 to submit their essays. The final debate will be held in June.

Last year, the Think Off debated whether love or fear motivates us more.

Love won.