Put Your Phone Down! You’re Missing out on Life.
05.22.2024 Captured by Author
“I wish I spent less time on my phone.” - Me… every day.
I was feeling called to write today about this topic that’s been on my mind, and I’m hoping you can relate.
Many days, it feels like a never-ending battle between my phone and me. First thing in the morning, I reach my hand out to check the time on my phone, which usually leads to a doom-scroll before I reluctantly force myself out of bed. Let's think about that. I start my days immediately looking at a screen, and it’s now become a significant part of my morning routine. It’s sad to admit, but I’m definitely addicted to my phone.
What is missing in life that we feel the need to reach for our phones? Is it simply the dopamine rush we get from endlessly scrolling through funny TikTok videos that keeps us wanting more? For centuries, humans lived fulfilling lives without access to technology like we have today; however, we like to pride ourselves on these technological advancements that have made us more successful and fulfilled human beings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s impressive that humans have been able to fly to the moon and connect globally via social media channels, but at what cost?
Connection. As a fellow Gen Z’er, I search for meaning in a place that it doesn’t fully exist…online. Although it is wonderful to expand our networks beyond the radius of our typical commute from home, I think we’ve forgotten about what life has to offer us in our present place. We’ve created a reality where the only way to look for a potential partner is by downloading Hinge or Tinder rather than being spontaneously pursued at a coffee shop or bookstore. Making friends feels easier by sending an Instagram DM rather than making plans after a class. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to create genuine, meaningful relationships with people and form our experiences organically. Although I can recognize that my concepts of society may be unrealistic, they’re not impossible standards to set for myself.
Personally, I’ve found that when I put my phone down and focus on being present, I can appreciate life more, even if it’s not as thrilling as all the Instagram reels I watch. When I lived a life as amazing as those reels you watch, I noticed I spent more time on my phone creating content rather than consuming it. During this time, I was living in Greece as a study abroad student, exploring parts of Europe I’ve never visited and ultimately living a life authentic to myself that I absolutely loved. If you’ve known me for a while, you also may know my dream, since I was 14, was to become a travel journalist, so this was a huge accomplishment for me. By taking a risk and moving abroad, I not only embarked on an exciting new adventure, but one that allowed me to feel connected to myself, the people around me, and the experiences that enriched my soul.
Obviously, an experience abroad is going to be exciting and not as “relatable,” so to speak, but what about the mundane in life - moving back home, starting a new job that you don’t love, or even finishing up college classes? It’s about putting yourself out there, meeting new people, and trying different experiences. I never thought that much would come out of working at Dick’s Sporting Goods, but through this experience, I was able to meet some of the most amazing people. This led to hiking trips up in the White Mountains and many nights at Dave and Buster’s, competing in air hockey - memories I’ll never forget.
Every day I scroll, looking at how amazing other people’s adventures are, wishing they could be mine. I forget that I can create that reality for myself if I just put my phone down and focus on living a little.
