Today, we are all so caught up in social media that we forget to put our phones down and actually enjoy life. Instead, we focus on making the perfect Snapchat story, getting the perfect Instagram, or creating a witty tweet. Here are some reasons why it is time to put our phones away:

1. It's Bad for You

Being on you phone can become addictive to the point where it is bad for you. Staring at a screen too long can strain your eyes. Without taking breaks, being on your phone too much can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Aside from being physically harmful, being on you phone too much can be mentally harmful. Cell phones can cause stress, especially when you have access to social media. It can stress you out by seeing a Snapchat story of your friends together without you, or it can cause anxiety of not getting a text back. Although we need phones for communication, the obsessive use of flipping back and forth through apps can end up becoming an obsession.

2. You Miss What's Around You

I can't tell you how many times I have said hi to someone as we pass each other on our way to class and they are too focused on their phone to hear me. By being so focused on our phone screens, we miss out on important things, such as face-to-face interaction. It is important to look up form your phone and engage with the people around you! This can easily be done on the way to or from class. By looking up, you’re able to say hi back to your friends and see people you’ve never seen before.

3. It's Offensive

How many times have you been told by a parent or grandparent to put your phone down when they are talking to you? How many times have you had a conversation with someone but they were unresponsive due to being on their phone? It is nearly impossible to have a conversation with someone when they are glued to their iPhone screen. You may have big news for your best friend but when you try to tell them, the conversation is one-sided. This is also seen in the classroom. I even find it offensive sitting in a classroom with a professor trying to teach and the class is too busy on their phones to answer a simple question. I think it should be a common courtesy to put your phone away when in class or talking to someone.