Smartphones are taking over our lives…

It’s a fact that technology is taking over our lives. We wake up to see Facebook, check emails, look Instagram or maybe do a check in Foursquare while in bed. In fact, 56 % of all Americans own one of these: phone, computer, tablet and other high-tech devices that have become not just an object, but for many a best friend.

I’m not against technology at all, but there has to be boundaries. Why we look at the phone while we walk? Why we fall asleep looking at our phone? Why the heck people go in a date if they’re going to be on the phone?!?! Jeez. PS. For me this is super turn off and big no, no.

Some people are enamored of their wireless mobile devices and this behavior is addictive. Best-selling science writer and Emotional Intelligence guru Daniel Goleman, says “but what we don’t notice is the cost to what’s happening in the present, what we’re supposed to be paying attention to, or what it does to our relationship with the person we’re with, who we’re now ignoring.” He says people shouldn’t dine together with their phones out because “studies have shown that this creates a kind of background anxiety that the other person’s phone is going to ring and they’re going to tune you out. It’s actually socially hurtful, and it activates a center in the brain for social rejection.”

For instance, I was with this friend, that I haven’t seen in awhile, in an art exhibit. After doing some small talk, he starts clicking and scrolling on his phone for around 10 minutes while “we” look at the art. I asked, “What are you doing over there?” and he was said, “Oh nothing”. When I looked he was on Instagram. WTH?! He preferred looking at photos versus talking to me and seeing the art exhibit? Definitely he was missing out. But, this is just an example. I had some other experiences where I think, “Shit, people are becoming zombies.”

Many people suffer from anxiety if they lose their phone, even if only for a few minutes. We rely on it to do everything from saying “I love you” to breaking up, from checking bank balances to investing, from sharing photos of children to sexting.

Don’t act so shocked. You know who you are! At the dinner table, it’s becoming the norm to constantly check for texts, emails, tweets and Facebook updates. In a darkened theater, there are always several who are multitasking while watching the movie.

Also, the relationships nowadays are based on what people think they know about you, not the quality time they spend together. We don’t spend the time to build long lasting relationships because we are busy with our phones all the time. If I got a like, if I got an email, a text or if I have to download the new update.Yes its sad, but true. My Dad and Mom text me now. Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer calling. Thank God my Grandma doesn’t know how to text! I love when people call me, what happen to that?

Why is so difficult to take the phone and dial the number? Hear that voice. It’s way better than texting and not knowing what is the tone of the letters. Also, it’s way quicker than 5 hours of texting about one argument.

Remember when you left messages in the recording machine? Remember the freedom of enjoying life? A walk in the park without looking Facebook. A nice dinner where you actually get to talk to a person. Fighting in person instead of fighting via text. Ohh the good old days! Lol

Ok, so here are some things which can help, if you are becoming an addict of your smartphone:

1. No phone on the dinner table.

2. Don’t fight via text.

3. No texting while driving.

4. No use during sex. Hell no!

5. When going to bed, no more falling asleep while staring at your screen.

6. When you’re with friends, turn your phone off. Enjoy their company.

7. If you’re on a date, come to a mutual agreement that you each will only check your phone’s every 90 minutes, if is necessary.

8. Pick the phone and call people.

9. When you step up to the counter to either order or check-out, put the phone down and take care of business. There are customers behind you and they don’t want to hear whatever.

10. Finally, last but not least, when you’re able to manage the above without suffering a panic attack, shortness of breath or dizziness, then try leaving the phone at home. Yep, this is the real deal — graduation day.

If you can use and appreciate the technology that is available right at your fingertips without letting it rule your life or hinder those around you, then congratulations. But for those of you who believe your smartphone is part of your body, think catching up with your friends can only be done on Facebook, or consider Suri to be your true BFF, then you may need to double check your life.

Hope you follow this, as I will. Let’s be more humans and less zombies. Let’s enjoy life and cherish our relationships. Let’s take back our life.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Cristina