Where would we be today without our phones? Most people today have a smart phone with access to social media such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and various other outlets. There are a lot of obvious positives to these connections, such as being in contact with people long distance, getting information quickly, and being entertained. I, however, have noticed a lot of changes within myself that social media and constant phone use has induced.
Before the smart phone era, I would just plug my phone in in one room and converse with people in another part of the building while it was charging. I did not bring a charger with me on day trips. I did take not the time to look for outlets that were close by. I did not care whether my charger cord was long enough that I could have my phone by my side while it regained power. Now, I feel as though I need my phone near me at all times. I wonder how this is effecting my life and what about my phone makes me feel that I cannot live without it for even an hour or two.
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I love hanging out with friends, and yet I've begun to take note of how much time I spend on my phone while with other people. How often do we check, not only a text message, but now a Facebook notification, an Instagram picture, a Snapchat, a Vine, or anything else on our phone? How much of our one-on-one time is spent accessing the lives of various people on the internet instead of intentionally being with the person in our physical presence?
I also feel that social media and constant phone use has damaged my ability to focus. I used to finish a five page paper in about forty minutes. It now takes me hours to finish a paper half that length because I pull my phone out all the time to check the spelling of words or fact check. These things can distract me for hours. I have difficulty sitting down and reading long books.
Another thing that I have noticed is visiting Facebook negatively affects my mood. Social media is great because it keep people connected, but it can also enhance feelings of envy and malice. It is easy to feel left out when you see a lot of your friends at parties without you. It is hard to avoid feeling envious of someone lounging on the beach while you are stuck in school trying to finish that paper. Social media allows people to see into each other's lives, which divert us from living our own.
I have tried to step back from the internet, thinking about what I value and whether my lifestyle reflects my values. I value God, friends, family, nature, information, reading, and words. My phone has been a huge distraction from the things that I say are important to me.
With this in mind, I have made an effort to change the way I utilize social media. I make a conscious effort to leave my phone tucked away while sharing a meal with someone. I ask myself why I am going on social media when I am about to open the app, and only continue that action with intentionality. I try to put my phone away when I am getting ready for bed and try to read as a way to wind down instead.
Social media can be used beneficially and productively. I, however, do not want to live my life dependent on the technology my phone offers. I choose to be thankful for what I have and be intentional with my friendships around me. Let's live in a world where we take advantage of the benefits of smart phones while also not becoming dependent on it.
