On that note, did you know that cell phone usage is actually contagious?
Yup. It's science.
According to The Mother Nature Network, cell phone usage is now the new yawning. It's THAT contagious. If you see someone else check their phone, there's a good chance you'll get the chemical impulse to do the same.
Now don't get me wrong! Technology is a great thing, and I completely advocate it's responsible use. I use all of my devices every day, some days more heavily than others.
However, it is very clear that the world is developing an addiction to it. Here are some troubling facts for you to digest:
- 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their phone.
- 67% of cell phone owners check their phones for messages or alerts when their device hasn't even beeped or vibrated
- Multiple studies indicate that most cell phone users check their phones every 6.5 minutes
- 88% of cell phone users use it as a second screen while already watching another screen
- Half of all cell phone users sleep with their phones near their head or very close to their bed so they won't miss any calls or texts
- Traditional TV viewing eats up over 6 days worth of time every month
I think most of us know we don't need any statistics to tell us we as a society have an over-attachment to technology. But the great thing is is that all of these devices have a power-off function! And it's something we should use MUCH more often than we do (or don't) now.
Here are just a few good reasons to power-down your electronics:
1. Powering-down helps remove unhealthy feelings of loneliness, jealousy, and envy
Researchers conclude that every 1 of 3 people feel worse after they visit Facebook, being more dissatisfied with their lives. Certainly not every Facebook interaction is a bad one. But you probably know what I'm talking about. To family drama, to body image, to vacation destinations, to birthday notifications, the opportunity of envy often presents itself on social media. Powering down helps us reset and refocus our attention to gratitude and appreciation for our own lives and journeys.
2. Powering-down combats the fear of missing out
'FOMO' is a psychological disorder that has been on the rise with the advents of technology. The premise is simple: our social media outlets are constantly filled with things and events happening all around us. We're even seeing pictures of what people are eating. These images fill our news feeds, and with that, our fear of missing out continues to grow. Unplugging helps us appreciate the present moment we're in, and will eventually become habit.
3. Solitude is harder to find in this ever-connected world
Solitude grounds us to the world around us. It provides the stillness and the quiet we need to evaluate our lives and reflect on the messages in our hearts, as well as get in tune with our instincts. In a world where noise and activity is becoming louder and more common, the need for solitude becomes more obvious....and easier to ignore or overlook. True solitude and meditation will require you to mindfully unplug from your screens.
4. Life, at it's very best, is happening right now, right in front of us
The world is changing rapidly. Nowadays, it may feel even more so. But the true nature of life is not. Experiences will never repeat themselves. Conversations are real and authentic. And love is real. If we're too busy staring down at a screen, we're missing life, and everything that's happening around us.
5. Powering-down promotes creation over consumption
Essentially, most of our time is spent either consuming or creating. And of course, technology can contribute to creation (hence this blog). However, most of the time we spend in front of technology consuming (playing video games, browsing the internet, watching movies, listening to music). But our world doesn't need more consuming. It needs more creating. Now more than ever. It needs your passion. Your solutions. Your unique contributions. Power-down, and begin contributing to the world more mindfully.
6. Life is about flesh, blood, and eye contact
No matter how much we interact or connect with people via technology, there's nothing that can replace meeting and talking with someone face to face. The ability to look someone in the eye without the filter of a screen changes everything.
Whew! That's a lot to absorb. You still with me, or did someone text you...?
PAY ATTENTION!
Anywho.
To help with this transition to less reliance on tech, here are some great hints/pointers to help you on your journey to independence, as well as being okay with being alone with your thoughts. :)
1. The First Hour
If you can manage, don't look at any screens for the first our you're awake. Start each day with a clear and open mind. You just spent the last 7-8 hours (hopefully) without your phone, and one more hour won't hurt. Make it a gift to yourself.
2. Power down for a period of time each day
This can be the first hour of the day as mentioned above, or perhaps before bed (I prefer the start and end of the day), or maybe lunchtime? You can adapt it to your own lifestyle and schedule. Just make sure you stick to it!
3. Manage your time wasters
There are numerous apps to help you out with your potential addiction! FREEDOM will cut your internet connection at a time of your designation. SELF CONTROL will block access to specific sites (Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, etc) for a certain amount of time, but still allow access to the web.
4. Take one extended break on a regular basis
Take 40 days out of the year and choose one app to do without. Think of it as Lent, but for your phone! Those who have done this have learned a lot about technology, relationships, and themselves.
In conclusion dear readers, powering-down is a skill that takes a lot of practice. But as they say, practice makes practice makes practice. Technology will continue to advance. Things will become more accessible faster and more easily, but we must not forget about why we're here: not to consume, but to create, connect, and to grow. The practice of being more aware of our reliance on our technology goes a long way to creating balance and wellness, inside and out.
Love, light, and blessings to you all.
Rise, and Be Well.
-Ben
