Motorola produced the first hand-held cellular device in 1973. A little over 41 years later, this device has transformed into small computers that fit into our pockets.
Cell phones are used to aid in our communication. The power of a phone call, text message and email are all at the palm of our hands with the intent to boost our social skills.
With social media, we are constantly connected with our friends and families, no matter how many miles physically separate us from them.
We’ve all heard the argument that cell phones are destroying our social skills. It’s debatable and is heavily dependent on context.
But can you answer the following questions honestly?
Do your friends have to challenge each other to see who can go the longest without checking their phones at dinner? Do you constantly check your Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds via your cell phone? Do you find yourself on your phone the entire duration of chapel?
Can you survive without your phone?
What if we all went a day without sending out a tweet or snapchat or even a text message? Sure, it sounds impossible, but it’s doable.
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to use my phone less and to engage in face-to-face communication more. What I’ve noticed since I started: people are addicted to their phones.
Some are more interested in what’s happening on Twitter than what’s going on in the room that they’re sitting in. Some can’t sit through an entire meal with their friends without opening up Instagram or starting a conversation via text.
Some would rather play Trivia Crack than take 20 minutes out of their mornings to focus on God – that’s right, I’m pointing at you once again — you who is constantly on your phone during chapel.
Take the challenge with me, don’t check or update Twitter for 24 hours. Call someone instead of texting to make plans with them, and don’t respond to a text message immediately. Focus on what’s being said in chapel instead of focusing on your phone screen, and put your phone away when you’re hanging out with your friends.
Watch how your friendships are strengthened and how it feels to break an addiction you didn’t even know you were struggling with.
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