“Click less, live more.”
― Abhijit Naskar
Modern Addiction
Recently, I went to Boston for a business conference.
To keep myself focused, I put my phone on airplane mode and only used it during my free time.
On my day off, I explored part of the city. After walking around, I decided to stop by the park and sat on one of the benches.
Scanning my surroundings, I see green grass, tall trees, and squirrels wandering around. And I saw people running, owners playing with their dogs, and children chasing one other.
Additionally, I noticed people who were on their electronic devices, including those who were sitting together.
As I walked through more of the city, I noticed the same pattern.
I would have been in a collision with another pedestrian if it weren’t for me evading.
This continued on later that evening.
As I was eating at a restaurant and looking out the window. Drivers held their phones in one hand while driving in heavy traffic.
This is a major safety hazard and concern for everyone around them including themselves.
Then I realized that this addictive behavior was the “norm.”
Live In the Real World
Everyone has a smartphone and most don’t use it responsibly.
These entertaining distractions are designed by some of the smartest people in the world, and their objective is to keep you engaged and wanting more.
That’s because the more you watch, the more money they will make from you and their sponsors.
Their best interest is not you.
The notifications are meant to get your attention to give you a hit of dopamine to keep you addicted to their system.
Because of the positive experience gained from engaging in these digital activities and engagements, it has become an addiction and a crutch for most people.
This platform allows them to entertain themselves anytime and serves as a distraction from what is happening in reality.
It also serves as an escape from boredom.
You are a puppet in their hands easily controlled by the constant bombardments of advertisements of what you should buy.
Rather than living in the digital world, you can focus on real-life connections with others who you are compatible with.
Instead of sending a “like” on an electronic post, you can send a personal message. And if you want to build on the connection, schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.
And no matter how advanced technologies may get, there won’t be a replacement for human-to-human interaction.
Therefore, to build real relationships, you must spend with them in face to face, or else that relationship cannot grow.
It also matters on the quality of conversations that will elevate the friendship. These are topics that matter most to you and require honesty and transparency.
It Can Wait
When using electronic devices, most people don’t understand the inconveniences they create when they focus on their self-interest and disregard those around them. Their behaviors are because of the following:
- Lacking awareness
- Do not care
The first one can be trained to learn about the effects of their actions.
The second reason is worse since they know the outcomes yet still do it.
To truly live requires being present in the now.
Some ways that allow you to do this are the following:
- Turn off electronic notifications
- Put your phone on airplane mode or turn it off when not using
- Dedicate time to respond to messages and emails in batches (once or twice a day)
Be courteous of others by moving aside so you are not obstructing traffic.
When in doubt, consider others’ perspectives by asking yourself:
- “How would others feel if did this?”
- “Would I create an inconvenience?”
- “Would I want that done to myself?”
Most, if not all, inquiries do not need an immediate response as they are not time-sensitive. They can wait until you have dedicated time.
Rather than living in the virtual world, focus on the present moment and what is in front of you.
Because that is what is real and most important.
Closing Thoughts
When an application is free, you are the product. This includes your data and time.
These entertaining applications are designed to grab your attention.
It’s the creator’s way of making you want more. In essence, it’s generating a repeating pattern and eventually a habit.
Technology is powerful and a double-edged sword.
Let it be a tool to support you, rather than control you.
Create awareness by focusing on what is in front of you and not your digital screen.
Be courteous to others by putting yourself in their shoes and determining how you would feel if the same happened to you.
Ask for permission and not for forgiveness, that’s because prevention is better than cure.
Since smartphones are a huge part of modern life, how would you feel if they were no longer available?
Can you live without your phone for one day, a week, or a month?
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