Trapped in a Digital Web

Bulky brick cell phones are a thing of the past. We now access information on the go via today’s sleek, pocket-sized gadgets, called “Smartphones.”

Are they a boon or a bane in the palm of our hands?

My smartphone journey began in 2007-2008.

The relationship started on a healthy and perfect footing. Our communication was basic but effective as we got to know each other and our routines.

We were inseparable. I was protective of my smartphone and never let it out of sight. I ensured it was scratch-free, charged, wiped, and handled with care.

I even put up with its quirky sense of humour.

For instance, my smartphone is aware that deleting apps bothers me. I feel anxious watching the app icons shake and panic before I delete them. This is so deliberate.

When it goes into “Auto-correct” mode, I sense trouble.

“Hey there, I meditated earlier today and feel energetic and charged. I plan to make this a daily practice,” I messaged my friends after meditation. Shortly after, my smartphone began to ring incessantly with a maniacal ringtone, and my inbox was bombarded with messages. My smartphone had auto-corrected “meditated” to “medicated,” causing panic among my friends.

My first meal of the day is not something that I look forward to because it is always “Siri-al” for breakfast.

Despite all of this, I remained captivated by my smartphone’s new features, personality, and evolving presence, and felt anxious without it. My day begins and ends with it.

It was my “Digital Security Blanket,” providing comfort in awkward social situations and combating feelings of isolation.

My smartphone, a “Dopamine Dispenser,” as it is also called, triggered excitement with each notification, compelling me to check every familiar sound.

I never felt “FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)” about happenings with loved ones, current events, or news because my smartphone always prompted me.

I couldn’t keep my hands off my phone. It slowly crept into my life, barely noticeable at first.

When I started using it more frequently and for longer periods, I realized that my smartphone and I had crossed the fine line between necessity and obsession.

I experienced “Digital Amnesia,” as I relied on my smartphone to retrieve basic information, such as important dates and events that I would normally remember.

I was always operating in “Auto-pilot mode.” When triggered, reaching out for it became a natural reflex.

The lack of boundaries gave my smartphone undue influence and a magical hold over me. It was an unhealthy and codependent relationship.

The initial excitement was waning, and I did not want to maintain this relationship, which made me look stupid while my smartphone got smarter and more powerful.

My smartphone is still integral to my daily routine. However, we have established boundaries.

My smartphone boasts an inflated sense of ego and arrogance, convinced of its inherent intelligence.

It is temperamental and retaliates by freezing, crashing, refusing to download certain apps, cutting off my WiFi, or faking a low battery and playing dead. When I ignore it, I can sense it seething with resentment, and it starts to beep and make weird static sounds. All that huffing and puffing could activate a smoke alarm.

When I feel overwhelmed, my smartphone often tempts me with addictive games, interesting articles, and entertaining, hilarious videos. However, I have learned to resist these distractions and no longer fall into its trap.

Are smartphones overshadowing reality with virtual life?

When I am out and about, whether on a walk, at the supermarket, restaurant, theatre, at a party, or even at the dinner table, a cacophony of beeps, pings, dings, and knocks interrupt my thoughts, conversations, and interactions.

Why can’t we put our phones down?

This trend is across all age groups.

I once had a terrifying experience that I will never forget. Driving my friends to the cinema, the girl next to me suddenly jumped up from her seat, screaming and flailing, causing confusion and fear among the rest of us.

The reason for her distress?

She left her phone at home. She demanded that we turn back to fetch it. Overwhelmed, I turned the car around.

I wasn’t ready to take any chances when I saw the fear and anxiety in her because she did not have access to her phone. I was seeing something that I had only read and heard about. They call it “Nomophobia.”

Smartphones are indispensable in this digital era and have become essential in every aspect of our daily functioning. We need them for online shopping, mobile banking, ticket bookings, healthcare access, education, job searches, and social and official interactions. Technology has become a necessity.

How can we develop a more mindful relationship with our smartphones so they don’t replace face-to-face interactions, strain our relationships, pose potential health risks, and negatively impact our overall well-being?

Is it too late for a digital detox?

Setting boundaries and screen time from both our digital devices and social media connections can be a start to creating a healthier relationship with technology.

You could also encourage your friends and family to put their phones away when you are spending time together so that you can fully engage and connect. If they are unwilling, offer them dinner at home where they can do nothing but stare into their bright screens or scroll until dinner is served.

I have tried all the above suggestions, except for the last one.

A digital detox has been a refreshing change.