In 1917, Eric Magnus Campbell Tigerstedt invented and successfully patented the first ever mobile phone. No, that is not a typo! When the mobile phone was invented, it had one singular purpose…to transmit speech through signaling technology. The two-way wireless technology was used primarily by the military and rail systems.
Fast forward to today, 97% of all adults have a cell phone according to a Pew Research Study. And according to Statista 85% of US Adults own a smartphone.
The smart phone today has created a 24-hour dependency on something other than our brain and human connection. In fact, 88% of our time on the PHONE is NOT for talking. The younger you are, the more hours that is being spent staring at the screen.
In the last 25 years, the over commercialized smart phone has changed the way we think, the way we work, and quite frankly, the way we live. Other than using the phone for talking, can you relate to this endless list of swiss army tools? Texting, gaming, video calling, emailing, reading books, reading news, social media scrolling, internet searching, setting alarms, checking the time, checking the weather, photographing, videoing, listening to music/podcasts, counting steps, dating, note taking, recording voice memos, gaming, making/receiving bank transactions, budgeting, scheduling, shopping, navigating, calculating, watching TV, journaling, ticketing and using the flashlight. This is just the tip of the iceberg as studies indicate that on average, Americans have 80 apps installed on the smartphone. It’s no wonder we average checking our phones over 344+ times a day! The smart phone has become the evolution of quality of life, similar to having a TV, vehicle, or a bed.
Even with all the beneficial tools of the smartphone, the trap we all face is the black hole of Social Media.
Why is this a problem? Well, this survey by Statista magnified that social media is the primary addiction of smart phone users. Survey responders indicated that Facebook and Instagram out of all of their apps were the top 2 that they could not live without. Would you answer the same? If so, keep reading…
Alcohol, sex, and sugar all have temporary rewards but with much risk when consumed without boundaries! So does Social Media!
Consuming social media unfortunately is just as destructive to our physical and mental health as any other substance. Anxiety, depression, guilt, and anger are all chronic symptoms of digital overconsumption. Playing the comparison game, one-upping, and trying to impress all for the sake of gaining more “like” lacks authenticity, civility, and genuine relationships.
Regardless of the opinions you’re posting or consuming, social media is a time trap that is distracting, addictive, divisive and it’s selling a false narrative.
As a recovering scrolling addict, it’s easy to see. We only capture, curate, post, and consume the happiest and joyous moments of our lives, while we hide our true, real and authentic feelings behind the camera.
We are better communicators through #hashtags than we are staring someone in the eye.
The times are far gone where we could sit down and talk with someone eye-to-eye over a cup of coffee without the buzzing phones in our fingers. Deep meaningfully life-giving conversations are seemingly of the past. Our validation and identity is wrapped up in “LIKES”.
We are human and the “Like” button creates an addictive euphoria (a feeling or state of pleasure) that is connected to the pleasure centers of the brain. We have a need for validation, being wanted, recognized by our identity. Social media platforms and all their algorithms feeds on our human desires of validation and leaves us chasing more of a social status. Chasing more likes and followers is a dangerous trap. “Likes” does not equal success and it certainly doesn’t validate our worth, value, or identity.
Alarmingly, there are no limits to the type of filth that works it’s way into social platforms.
As I was researching content for this article and getting to the root definition of euphoria as it relates to social media , I was mortified to read about a popular show named Euphoria on HBO. In reading reviews, specifically this one by Focus on the Family, it further solidifies my fears and the stark reality of the moral decay of our world. In name alone, Euphoria, the show glorifies social media, drugs, sex, violence and an alternative world that is sickening our younger generation. And apparently it’s OK for our teens to be watching this entertainment? Folks, this is the world our kids are growing up in.
It’s paradoxical that as you read this article, 75% of you are most likely on your phone reading it.
So here are my challenges to build better boundaries with the phone and with Social Media! If you can’t fathom any of these, this may be a sign on your digital dependency and time to seek out professional help.
- Don’t touch your phone within an hour of going to bed. The blue light alone is a stimulant that will impact your quality of sleep. You also risk getting stimulated by an email, post, text, or a piece of news that could raise your anxiety levels and disrupt your sleep.
- Don’t touch your phone within an hour after waking up. Use every morning for self-care. Starting the day comparing, getting validated by likes, or responding to messages sets a bad precedence of being overrun by others.
- Give your phone and your Social Accounts a Sabbath. If you already practice Sabbath (a day not working and putting focus on God, community and family), try locking up your phone for 24 hours too!
- Go on a Digital Diet. I get it, #3 seems a bit extreme, so if you can’t lock it away for a day, practice going on airplane mode for at least 60-minute stints to focus on projects or to focus on your kids. Try to commit to only checking your social accounts once or twice a day for a scheduled time.
- Create Friction. I recently heard someone mention that they put a rubber band around the phone. This creates an obvious obstacle to scroll and swipe. This also gives a mental obstacle of having to reconsider if picking up the phone is THAT important right now. If you don’t use a rubber band, remove the alerts/notifications from your social, go on airplane mode, or put your phone in a different room when your focus requires something else.
- Buy a dumb phone! Flip phones with buttons actually exist. This is a real recommendation if you struggling with all the vices of your device. This would save money and after 3 weeks, I gaurantee that your FOMO will go away.
Lastly for parents of young children, you should assess the amount of access your child has with unfiltered and unmonitored time on any screen. Teach your child that validation from the world are just empty calories. Love on them more daily, stare at them in the eyes at their level when you speak to them, and model healthy boundaries with your own phone.
Putting your phone down more often buys back valuable time in your day. The need for validation and self care can then be nourished through God, your surroundings, and human connection.
It’s time we get back to being social in person instead of leaning on our socialization through a device.
