In our modern world phones have become a part of the body, a material growth attached to our hand. We sleep with it, eat with it, go to the toilet with it, phones are everywhere. They have become an essential item because they do everything, life is made easier and we are creatures of comfort. However, despite the ease and convenience they bring this doesn’t exactly make them a positive addition.
Contact Override:
Phones and relationships are odd, going back years ago the only way to contact a friend or relative would either be through post or by having to go to their front door, knocking and hoping they’re in. Fast forward to today and if you want to message someone you can do it in as quick as 30 seconds! You can no longer hide behind the couch and pretend to not be in because everyone knows how much you use your phone. This sets unrealistic expectations of relationships, can add strain unnecessarily and funnily enough actually create distance.Constant connection creates less connection, we are all victims of social battery drainage and this is amplified by never having the charge to escape and recharge, sometimes you just need to switch your phone off and reset.
So what, do I just throw my phone away?
Now, I am not stating that phones are awful and ruining the world but there needs to be a balance. Boundaries need to be made and put in place in order to avoid anxiety and pressure. Is it unreasonable to expect someone to be available 24/7? Yes! Everyone has their own life and that needs to be respected, phones hold immense power in how we see ourselves, relationships and how we behave and so it is down to us to be aware and be realistic with what we ask from others.
You can read more about this here.
