The average person checks their phone 110 times per day, 84% of people cannot go a day without using their phone and 50% of teens feel that they are addicted to their phones. I feel like I am probably part of those statistics and that is truly sad. As kids we always hear about alcohol and drug addiction but we never really hear, other than a bit of nagging from Mom, that there are true dangers to our phone and social media usage.

© Eric Pickersgill / Removed

Simon Sinek conducted an interview a few months ago talking about the leadership challenges of leading millennials and he brings up how this is one of the major problems in our generation. We are consumed with being connected 24/7. The social media interactions of getting messages, likes, retweets and shares is what makes us feel good. Fueled by a dopamine rich high we are constantly reminded that all we need for our next buzz is sitting right in our pockets. Worst of all this dopamine releasing “drug” is available to everyone not just those over 18 for cigarettes and over 21 for alcohol. We are becoming addicted at a young age to quick meaningful technology induced happiness instead of building life long relationships with the people around us. If that doesn't scare you, next time you are out with friend see how long it takes till every single one of you are on their phone instead of interacting with each other. It probably wont take long.

© Eric Pickersgill / Removed

As I started to take notice of my actions I realized how addicted I truly am. Its the first thing I do every morning. Any moment I was just standing around I would whip it out. Even as I was standing with 140 people all of whom I could easily talk to and I know a decent bit about each of their lives I still decided or wanted to look at my phone. Even if I was not just standing there and taking in the environment around me I had to have my mind on social media, tinder, instagram. I began to realize how much I was missing out on. I have wasted 2.5 years of college failing to truly get to know the people around me. The phone is definitely not the only thing to blame but it sure did not help my chances.

© Eric Pickersgill / Removed

I know what I have to do, I am not saying it will be easy to just disconnect but it will be a worth while challenge. a challenge we are all capable of beating. so that is why I challenge you to really look at your life and social interactions and begin to truly live in the moment. Creating and fostering those relationships with people that are not just skin deep.

The pictures in this article were taken by Eric Pickersgill. In the images the devices were not edited out of the photo, they were removed from the subjects' hands before the photo was made.The rest of his pieces can be found at http://www.removed.social/. I highly recommend taking a look they are absolutely moving!

"The views expressed, in "Hands Up! Put the Phone Down!" reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”