Cell Phones: Interaction and Distraction
Recently, the iPhone celebrated its 10th birthday. In the 10 years that the iPhone has been in this increasingly digital world, it has become more of a distraction. Something we subconsciously hold in our hands, constantly checking for messages, and even mindless internet browsing.
Yes, cell phones are great; texting, tweeting, instagraming, HD photos. But many don’t realize how big of an interference it has on our real-life, human, face-to-face interactions.
Without even realizing it, spending time with friends often turns into spending time talking about things related to our smartphones.
Even family dinner dynamics have changed in the midst of the smartphone age.
Cell phones have altered the way people experience things. No matter where you are, what you are doing, or who you are with, your cell phone is there too.
In response to a column in the New York Times, a young student, Daniel Smith from Michigan, wrote this about cell phones: “As a millennial, I’m surrounded by folks who’d rather see what friends halfway across the world are having for lunch than interact with the people in their presence. Every second is used checking the latest updates.”
Constantly checking our phones is a bad habit that the whole world needs to break. People need to become re-accustomed to real life, not the virtual one everyone seems to be living. Next time you are with your friends and family, leave your phone at home or in your bag, and focus on what is in front of you.
