Like it or not, the vast majority of us in Virginia have become dependent on our cell phones. We rely on them not just as tools of oral communication (in fact, actually talking on the phone seems to be increasingly rare), but as tools for sending texts and emails, as both still photography and video cameras, as notepads, as gaming systems, as maps, and as music players. Indeed, today's cell phone is a far cry from the behemoth model of yesteryear, complete with its adjustable wire antenna; a cutting-edge contemporary does virtually everything!
But there's a downside to all this convenience and accessibility. Reliance can quickly turn to over-reliance, which verges into addiction, which leads to overdose. You've probably seen the signs of cell phone overdose, or maybe you've experienced them yourself: a blurry, unfocused gaze, fingertips bloodied from too much texting, and an inability to maintain an actual conversation with a fellow human in person are just a few of the signs. An adult, a teen, and even a child can become so merged with a cell phone that even a few minutes without it can feel unbearable. Lately, it seems as though many of us are spending time in bubbles, heads bowed, imaginations absorbed in these hand-held devices, when we could stand to be more present in the here and now, and more interactive with the people who are physically all around us.
If you or someone you love has a tendency toward cell phone overdose, use the following methods to promote a healthier relationship with the phone:
Designate Phone-Free Zones - Make certain environments within your everyday life phone-free zones. Ideal phone-free zones include the car (when you should be paying exclusive attention to the road anyway); public transportation (use the time to read a book, talk to a person near you, or simply look out the window and see what's happening in the world); the bedroom (keep this a technology-free place for intimacy, peace, and relaxation); and the breakfast, lunch & dinner table (a place to enjoy conversation and food). Banning the phone from certain spaces in your life will do wonders to prevent an overdose!
Follow Standard Business Hours - Make it a rule to use your phone only during standard business hours: Monday through Friday from nine to five, and maybe half the day on Saturday. It's okay to leave your phone turned on twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week so you are reachable in case of emergencies. But only actively use it-for texting, surfing the web, gaming, etc.-during those designated hours. This will force you to have a reasonable amount of healthy, phone-free time.
Encourage Old-Fashioned Communication - Introduce the kids and teenagers in your life to "old fashioned" forms of communication and recreation that don't involve the cell phone. Engage them in writing letters and thank-you cards, sending postcards, and paying personal visits to the friends and loved ones in your life. Play sports together outside, or play board games and cards around the table together. Keeping these activities alive will help to remind both you and your kids that there's a lot more to life than what happens on-and through-the cell phone.
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