Are You In A Serious Relationship With Your Phone? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Are You In A Serious Relationship With Your Phone?

I get it, we live in a connected world, but don't you think we're a little too connected?

20
Are You In A Serious Relationship With Your Phone?
Huffpost

Today I watched a girl walk through puddles for more than five minutes with cute boots on, more than likely trying to capture that perfect instagram photo for #rainyday. I also watched more than a dozen students take twice as long to get to class on campus due to zig-zagging their way along the sidewalk and then the grass and back because their sole focus was on their cell-phone, heads down, world out.

This in itself is a huge issue, especially when it comes to crossing busy streets, running into people, being present in daily life, and so much more. On our campus we even have spray painted, "Heads Up Phones Down" on the edges of nearly every street on the sidewalks. My own mom couldn't believe this so I took the picture below and showed her.

Now, I understand that my photo in itself contradicts the warning, but I took it to prove a point. A point that we live in the most connected, yet disconnected generation ever. I feel like I'm living in a day and age of zombies. We run into people we know and say, "Hey how are you?" Usually receiving a reply of, "Good" and the other person walking away as the response is being made. That is an extensive conversation today it seems, because usually we don't wait to hear their response.

Our phone is usually the one thing we have with us at all times, not our wallets, not our keys. Our phones lie under or right next to our pillows, not our Bibles. Our sleep patterns are destroyed all because a blue LED screen lights up and so do we. We dictate our worth by the number of notifications on our phones and crumble when our notification screen reads "15:36" and nothing else.

We go on vacations and spend more time taking photos and videos than enjoying and living in the moment. We've become consumed with the perfect selfie angle and ten-second conversations that usually consist of our feet or, "what did I say again?" When it comes to new places, social situations, even the simplest of things, we automatically reach into our pockets and go on our phones. Not for any particular reason nowadays. It's habitual. Thirty seconds of waiting in line? Oh! Gotta go on my phone and see who else liked my last post. Need I say more?

I'm sorry but this is not a generation that I am content in. What ever happened to face to face conversations without the constant distraction of a buzzing phone? What ever happened to phone calls? Not this petty texting, snap-chatting, and whatever form of communication. We seem to be able to hold the greatest conversations through technology but as soon as we are faced with actually speaking, the words never seem to find their way from our mind to our lips.

We act as if our lives end when our battery does, therefore we always keep a charger on hand or make sure we have at least 50% battery life before leaving the house. But what kind of life is this? A life where we're constantly glued to our cell phones and missing out on the world around us isn't a life at all. We have tunnel vision, straight downward, a foot from our faces.

Have you ever thought of taking a break from using your phone? Or does that seem impossible? Even taking a break from just one social media network probably seems daunting, let alone taking a break from your whole phone? But let me tell you something; it's possible. Aren't you tired of your neck hurting? Aren't you tired of always jumping to respond as soon as your phone goes off? When's the last time you just spent time by yourself or even with your friends and family without your phone? When's the last time you were fully present and took in the world around you without the distraction of your significant other: your phone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25254
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10552
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7782
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments