I never gave it much thought before, but what I have come to notice is that my iPhone has become a part of me.
Out of all the mediums, I used my phone the most; I picked it up for use over 100 times in just five days. I spent hours scrolling through Instagram more than any other social media app. I spent even more time reading and answering iMessages. I used my phone for GPS and to play music. I even spent countless hours speaking on the phone and Facetime with friends and family.
As far as other mediums go, I do not over use or abuse. The television is hardly ever on, but when it is, it is just for background noise or to catch up on the news. I use my laptop mainly for homework purposes.
If I had to participate in a digital detox I am unsure as to how I would survive on my own—which is quite concerning. Any time I am unsure of a question or I want to find out specific information, I simply use Google for the answer. Any time I need to get anywhere outside of Monmouth county, I effortlessly type in the address and let my GPS do the rest of the work. If I had to use an encyclopedia to do my own research I am not sure if I would be able to efficiently navigate myself to finding my answers. If I had to look at a road map I genuinely do not think I would ever be able to get to my destination. Thus, I use my phone as a major crutch, but more than that, I also use my phone as a cancerous object to my well-being.
Ergo, my social media apps is where I suffer the most. I continuously check my social media feeds, which are mostly doctored photos of girls my age. I am highly engaged in the online world, where everyone’s main concern is meeting societies standards as far as body type and life style goes. By immersing myself in this toxic world, I lose sight of what is real and with what is important. Instead of being connected with life around me, I am constantly connected with the fake reality inside my phone; instead of appreciating myself for who I am, I am constantly feeling pressured to look a certain way. My social media use is detrimental towards my mental and emotional health.
Regardless of what I am using my phone for, it is constantly interupting my train of thought. I am never disconnected and alone with myself. There is no down time or off button. I consume and consume and consume; social media has become fuel for my brain–like putting regular gas in a Ferarri, I am doing no justice for the function of my intellectual compacity.
It is nice to use my phone in a reasonable way. It is what facilitates my relationship with my dad in Florida and my boyfriend in Connecticut. Without it, I would not be able to maintain the emotionally close yet physically distance relationships in my life.
The Globe and Mail says that our smart phones are making us stupid. Quite frankly, I have no choice but to agree. I would have far better social skills, along with life skills, such as thinking for myself, having more self confidence, being cognitively creative, and even having a better natural sense of direction. Instead, my iPhone does and thinks for me, stunting my own personal growth.
karlymac 