It is time to unplug yourself from your cell phone

Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor

Fifteen years ago, I would have never imagined that smart devices and social media would end up being this generation’s obsession. Our smart devices (tablets, smartphones, and laptops) go everywhere we go, and I do mean everywhere.

People have gone to extreme measures of using these smart devices during every minute of the day; whether they are driving, using the bathroom, “paying attention” in class, and even falling asleep with their devices at night.

These smart devices come with many features that can cause us to be glued to them. You can find just about any type of app in the Google Play Store or App Store. Apps include anything from games to social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Social media apps allow smart device users to document their everyday actions and thoughts. These particular apps also give the user the ability to communicate and observe other people.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to being able to use smart devices and their apps. Social media can be used to uphold professional relationships, promote businesses, and to stay connected with loved ones. However, when the use of these apps start to become an unnoticeable addiction, is it time to unplug yourself?

According to a recent study on cell phone behavior at Baylor University, female college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their cell phones and men college students spend nearly eight, with excessive use posing potential risks for academic performance.

Not only has the excessive use of smart devices disturbed students on an academic level but it also interferes with their personal lives.

Answer these questions:

1. When you eat dinner with family and friends, do you always have your cell phone conveniently next to your plate or in your hand?

2. Are you most likely to text people rather than talking on the phone?

3. Did you look at your cell phone at least once while driving today?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, you might be in a world of trouble when it comes to having a smartphone obsession.

The worse disadvantage of being too attached to a smart device is that it can be fatal. According to textinganddrivingsafety.com, 13 percent of drivers age 18-20 involved in car wrecks admitted to texting or talking on their mobile devices at the time of the crash.

Texting while driving is now the leading cause of death among teenagers, surpassing drinking and driving. Disturbing statistics from the Cohen Children’s Medical Center report that more than 3,000 teens die each year in crashes caused by texting while driving.

We spend so much of our day checking for likes, friend requests, status updates, and other social media notifications. This generation wastes hours of their day paying attention to things that aren’t that important.

Just imagine if you unplugged yourself from all of your social media accounts for an entire week. I’m sure the first two days, you will be itching to see what is going on, but after that you will start to feel a new found peace from within.

Personally, I have gone on several social media hiatus’. The longest was for three weeks during this past summer. I deleted all social media apps from my phone and it was very fulfilling for me. I read a few books, immersed myself into what I love, writing and fitness, and I was able to reflect and work on my weaknesses. I was able to accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently.

I know we are in the center of the age of technology, but do not lose yourself in the midst of it. Know when it is time to unplug yourself.