Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Day 34- Wasting my Life on my Phone

You ever have those days where you feel like your phone is a complete and utter time suck? Today is one of those days for me. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the internet-- and my phone. For obvious reasons. But there are so many times in my day when I find myself just needlessly scrolling through crap. Just crap. Memes and cat videos and political propaganda and unresearched "facts."
I do it at any moment when my brain isn't being occupied with thought or a task. In line at the post office, waiting at the doctor, at really long stop lights. My first instinct is always to grab my phone. You ever leave your phone at home? Yeah... how was that? Did you panic? I know I do. Even if I don't need my phone for anything specific, the thought of being without it is horrifying. This was never more evident than my first trip overseas. When you don't have wifi in a foreign country, your phone is basically a camera. And still, my first instinct was always to pull out my phone to check... Well, nothing really. I have actually read that the new generations tolerance for boredom is about zero because of electronics and social media. And you know the benefit of boredom? Creativity! When your brain has nothing to do, it dreams and creates and works. With all of those spaces filled in by constant stimulation, the brain never really has time to develop imagination and creativity. Would there have been a Beethoven if he had an iPhone 6?
I try to make it a point when I am with friends or having alone time with my husband to put my phone away. It is really hard because my job is basically being on my phone. But I have to remind myself that whatever comment or email or message that pops up will be there in an hour. Or two. Or tomorrow. I don't HAVE to reply to people right away. No one owns my time but me. It is important to me to have real human interaction. As much as I love you guys, you aren't real. I can't see you and touch you and smell you (which in some cases is for the best). We as humans need other humans. We need to be around other humans to learn empathy and real love and to understand the idiosyncrasies that make us... well... human. Sarcasm. Frustration. Hurt. Tenderness. These are the things that living online take away from us.
Before bed, I have started to limit my phone time. I give myself a few last minutes when I get in bed to make sure I have taken care of my tasks for the day, and then the phone goes on silent and the book comes out. Sometimes I think we forget to unplug from the backlit world. I sleep like a baby when I give my brain an hour or so to unwind and shut off. 
So here is my challenge to you dedicated readers. Cut your phone time in half this week. Read a book. Go for a walk. Eat a meal alone. Talk to a friend. Snuggle your loved one. Whatever you do... do it without a device in your hand or on your person. Ignore your phone when it buzzes or rings. Whoever is on the other end can wait.
Remember what it is like to be human.

9 comments:

  1. I've been trying to cut back on my phone use but it's hard! She typed, from her phone...

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  2. I know exactly what you're talking about! Even though I try to practice living mindfully I still catch myself mindlessly scrolling through crap. Usually as soon as I'm aware of it I will put my phone down because I realize I'm wasting my time. When I'm waiting somewhere I really make a point to leave my phone alone at least for awhile. Instead, I try to just be with whatever is, or I do sort of a loving kindness meditation. I really try to stay off of it when spending time with family and friends. If I want to post a picture or something I will post and then put it away. I went to a show a couple of weeks ago and noticed people were basically watching the band perform through their screen. I feel like that robs us of being completely in the moment to fully enjoy the experience. I have caught myself mindlessly scrolling out of boredom this week. That drives me nuts. So I will accept your challenge! Thanks so much! I think your blog is awesome! :)

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    1. Oh my gosh yes!! It drives me crazy when people film concerts or take pics the whole time. You're missing the experience!!

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  3. Wise words from a wise woman! Also, you've got a way with words -- this post cracked me up even as I saw the merits of what you were saying.

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  4. I think I cannot join your challenge this week because I'm currently laying in hospital and I have to pay extra money for television. I also have my ebook reader with a few books but reading mostly makes me tired and I cannot sleep the whole day hahah
    So when someone calls or textes me it is very welcome this week!
    But I can also understand your point because I realized I spend to much life time scrolling through crap on facebook when I'm at home or on my way home or to university...

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    1. I'm so sorry that you're in the hospital and that they charge extra for tv. That's terrible! I hope you get better soon!

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    2. Awww I hope you are better and home soon!

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  5. Yes, yes, and yes...I am trying...but between all my social pages, now doing YouTube, and being addicted to monster busters, it is really hard...but I am trying. I miss books....unfortunately even my book is on a device!

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  6. Love this post! I think I'm going to share it with my students. Thoughtful and well written. Well done Ms. Dollface!
    And yes, I will accept your challenge!

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Thank you so much for stopping by! Please be nice and kind with your words even if you have something to criticize. I am trying to answer to as many questions as possible but please have some understanding that I cannot answer to all of you. XOXO