If you note sarcasm in my tone, you weren't off base. I have to admit I love my smart phone but there comes a point when its just to much. Sometimes its seems that I can even survive without it. How many of us cant go anywhere without our phone? I know that's the way I feel. There are so many benefits to having information right at our fingertips and being able to access information so quickly. The problem with having any information we want at any moment is that our phone becomes almost an obsession and has lead to a different dynamic in our relationships.
Some of you may have heard this idea before or even thought it yourself, that fact that relationships can be effected by our phones. Or on the other hand you may think your phone has no negative impact on your life and relationships. I just know that I am guilty of being on my phone to much and even rely on it to keep me occupied much of the time. This is even true when I am with other people, including family and friends.
The fact is no matter how old you are, phones have become a way of life. Jeff and I went to breakfast the other day and this was what we saw at the table next to us. Look familiar? No conversation, just heads down immersed in their phones. I say a similar scene a few months ago at a restaurant. There was a mom with her young son sitting across form her in the booth. He was eating his food and she was staring down at her phone not even acknowledging him. Sadly I have to say I have been guilty of the same behavior.
I'm not saying smart phones are evil but I do think it is important for us to recognize the impact they have on our lives and the relationships around us. I know this is especially true with my children. I need to disconnect more often to be able to connect more fully with my kids and those around me. Who likes talking to someone who is distracted by texting or looking at their phone. I know I don't.
So here are some ideas on how to be more fully engage in the relationships around us.
1. Schedule It: Schedule specific times you will be on your phone. For parents is may be that you choose not to be on your phone when you pick your kids up from school or are helping with homework. It may be at dinner or at a certain time at night the phones go off or are out of sight. Make a schedule with others in the home so you can better connect with your family.
2. Time It: If you spend to much time on the phone put a time limit on it. Many of us can use our phones instead of computers and can spend just as much time on either. If this is a problem for you and is cutting into relationships, allow yourself a certain amount of time. You can even put a reminder in your phone or use the timer on your phone.
3. Forget It: This may be the most difficult idea to implement. I mean how are people going to get a hold of you if you don't have your phone? What happens if you miss an important text? What if you cant get the information you need right that second? The answer is, the world will continue and you will be alright. Sometimes its just to much of a temptation of have my phone with me so I will choose to leave it at home. Especially when going out to dinner with the family or going to a friends house. This forces conversation and interaction with those around you.
Everything in moderation right? I love my phone but just know that there needs to be a change. I don't what to be the person who's nose is stuck in their phone. Relationships are to important. If we can disconnect with technology now and then I think we will learn a new way to connect with others....the way we used to.
Thought for the Day: Which one of these three ideas could I use to help me more fully engage with those around me?
I agree. We have a rule in our house that there is no phone (calls or texts) at the table. We have "no media" times in our house and use that time for playing a game or something.
ReplyDeleteGranted, I have been guilty of being to occupied with my phone. But that's why I got the iPad. oh wait.