All of this was so convenient and saved time, gas,and even some ego and pride not having to stop and ask for directions. Looking back on this I almost want to laugh though. Yes, my phone made certain conveniences, but at the same time it was inhibiting growth by stopping my interactions with strangers. It was bloating my ego with all the answers that i so conveniently found on google. All of those bills I had to pay on the go could have waited till i got home from my long days of working and going to school. I didn't have to do everything at once, those 20-30 minutes I spent in the parking lot of school payng bills could have been spent relaxing taking a breath and being in the moment. I guess i have to give one point to the ole smarty phone it was super reliving not having to drive all the way home for my laptop.
Just how convienent are these devices anyway, are they relieving daily stress or creating more? Andrew Reeves wrote, “It became apparent to me how much my sense of stress, of rushing without thought or reflection, of missing the important things, had increased significantly since I had become hard-wired into the 'always on' communication. How many times did I check for emails instead of listening to my daughter's latest account of her school day, or my partner's own worries or joys -- that sense of always being available to others, and yet no longer being available to myself?” Reeves is a therapist who advocates to his clients, “ a move towards increased self-awareness and esteem, a respect for space and the importance of expression. He admits that he isn't living the values he is trying to instill in his clients. Finally in the end of his article he took a drastic measure, much like mine, not getting rid of his phone altogether but shutting it off at the end of his work day. Andrew even said, “ It was like getting into a warm bath at the end of a busy day; I actually began to enjoy being free, my head clearer, and my breathing calmer.”
This was the exact feeling I had when I relieved myself of my own smartphone. It was almost like a silence came over me. I no longer had to spend hours trying to get three stars on angry birds or check my never ending spam-filled inbox. Sadly that silence only lasted a minute seeing as I didn't just shut my phone off I just got a new dumber phone with the most annoying ring tone you could imagine. What this all comes down to is just how busy am I, what conveniences do I really need in my life, and are those conveniences really making my life more advantageous. I have figured this out for myself now it is your turn.
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Shane,
ReplyDeleteYour essay made me reflect on the obsession that I have with my smart phone. At times, I find myself glaring into the screen, because I feel like I have nothing else to do with my time. For instance, I'm constantly scanning my FB account, or checking to see the newest upload of pictures on my Instagram page. I totally agree with the fact that we could be using our time for interaction with people.
I don't agree with Reeve's technique of shutting off your phone, because I feel that a person needs to learn how to control their compulsions. Just like anything else in life, too much of anything becomes a habit. And from that habit, it may develop into an addiction.
How do you feel about Reeve's technique on shutting off your phone? Did you use this technique, or just completely get rid of your smart phone?
Shane, I totally loved your article about smartphones. I think that they can be super convent, but also a super distraction. I just recently moved to Eugene, and I found that my roommate uses hers ALL the time, and for EVERYTHING! Sometimes I feel like she isn't listening to me, because she's so wrapped up in her own little world at her fingertips.
ReplyDeleteI just got an upgrade on my phone, because it was breaking. I was given the choice of a smartphone that was the same price as the phone I had before, but I ended up choosing the same phone. I didn't want to get addicted to the over available information in my hand. So, like you, I got a plain phone that isn't anything special, but I can still call/text and that's all I really need. I don't really even need texting, but I guess it's nice since I don't have a Facebook. Thanks for sharing!
Jasmine
Your article crosses paths with mine! It’s funny you bring up about the convince and the distraction. I also bring this up in mine ;)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What are your sources: Just wondering so I can look around myself :)
I do agree with your view, but I don't plan to lose my phone. For all the bad reasons you listed, are some reasons I want to keep it.
As for experience, I think you pretty much described almost everyone’s experience who uses phones, tablets, iPods and more. Really hard not to use these items, when there right there in front of you, and easy to read. Its funny how people don't realize what they lose until it’s gone. (Referring to your mention of social interactions)
As for resource that might be of interest, my best resource has really been the web. This topic though big, is still new to people’s attention. Allot of these journals that are being published are not everywhere yet, but you can find them via Google, but in official forums.