Get the Hell Off Your Phone!
Don't forget to live in the present.
Accruing Usage
In the last few years, it's alarming to see the amount of time people spend on their phones (including myself). It’s an addiction, even if we don’t want to admit it. We stare at our screens in our homes, offices, and with friends. And at the dinner table? The same thing occurs, heads buried into mind-numbing, pointless content.
I’ve since realized how much screen time I was accruing, so I decided to take action. No longer was I going to be a screenaholic. No longer was I going to let precious time be taken away from me. No longer was I going to allow myself to have my phone out instead of engaging with human beings. Living in the present is a gift. For goodness’ sake, that’s why it’s called the present! We must not allow modern media to control us, but we must control it.
My Perspective
I was once in a restaurant when I spotted a few individuals I knew. Sure enough, I noticed all four of them with their eyes glued to their phones. Each person had a fork in their right hand and a phone in their left. Instead of talking to each other, they were too concerned with the latest Instagram post and Snapchat story. I whispered to myself, “How bizarre.” So, what did I do about it? I tend to find it difficult to mind my own business; thus, I approached them. As I walked toward them, their heads finally popped up from their phones, but you could tell they weren’t thrilled by my interruption (oh well). I bluntly asked them, “Why are you guys on your phones and not engaging with each other? You might as well just go eat at home.” Again, they were shocked by my bluntness. Although I technically had no right to interrupt their meal, I felt obligated to. And I’m glad I did. We proceeded to have a good chat, and they put their phones down. After I went back to my own table, I saw them speaking to each other. I saw smiles. I saw them looking at each other. I heard laughs. Their spirited energy was contagious.
Nothing could’ve made me happier than seeing humans being humans instead of boring robots controlled by brain-decaying media. The moral of this story: if you have a human next to you or in front of you, engage with them! It’s pathetic and rude not to. We have limited time on this planet. Do you really want to say that you were on your phone 50% of the time? I sure hope not.
How I Took Action
I previously mentioned that I decided to limit my screen time. So, if you want to start the journey with me, I’ll offer you some advice on how to begin.
No phones at the table. My friends know that I will get visibly frustrated if they even glance at their devices. I don’t even allow myself or them to have our phones face down on the table; they must be put away completely. Since adopting this rule, conversations, meals, walks, etc., have all been much more enjoyable. Again, there’s nothing more valuable than showing how much you value the person sitting next to or across from you.
Try blocking social media apps. I use an app called Opal. It allows me to block any app at any time or for periods of time. Personally, I have a schedule where all my social media apps are blocked until 5 PM Monday-Friday. I let myself be free on the weekend. Set a schedule that works best for you. Don’t try to go all in at first; that’s simply setting yourself up for failure. Start by blocking your apps for just a couple of hours a day or even less. As long as you make progress, that’s all that matters.
Turn your notifications off. Obviously, texts and phone calls are important, but Instagram notifying you that Becky just posted on her story isn’t important. Each ding and buzz you receive is another opportunity for you to pick up your phone. That’s exactly what we don’t want. Eliminate those opportunities, and you’ll eliminate your screen time.
Regain Control
To me, there’s no worse feeling than being controlled by something that’s possible to change. Always remember that you are in control of your choices. Each day, you get a chance to be better. Go out and be better.