Cell Phone Addiction

I went to the pool today. A woman spent her entire time leaned against the edge of the pool looking at and interacting with her smart phone. Sadly, the only thing she exercised was her thumbs.

According to statistics, the average phone use per day is 5.4 hours. That doesn’t include me. Half the time, I can’t find it. The rest of the time, I am having Ronald call me as I frantically look for it before it goes to voice mail. I do use it when I am around my family. It’s perfect for taking wonderful pictures of my adorable grandkids! Since I don’t wear a watch, I do use the phone for the time. However, since I have few obligations, most of the time I don’t care what the hour is. Some days, I don’t even care what day it is!

I will admit that the small screen is a deterrent for me to use the thing for anything but calling. Even FaceTiming on the thing is challenging.

And most of the time, all I get are those dang crank calls. People! My cars have long passed the warranty date, I paid off my college loan nearly 50 years ago (if my math is correct), and I don’t need a loan as we are debt free, thank you very much! I got three crank calls as I was writing this!

Another thing I see constantly is employers being cheated as workers slyly or even blatantly use their cell phones during work hours. Fingers are flying, and work is left undone. I feel bad for employers.

More and more studies show the detrimental effects of constant cell use on our brains and bodies. Back and neck alignment is affected by our posture as we hold the crazy little machines. Scientists have shown that various parts of the brain are affected negatively. That doesn’t even include the damage that cell phone addiction does to relationships!

I could rant all day. I know I’m fighting a fight that won’t be won. It will take a total meltdown of technology to change people’s habits. And, the only one I am responsible for is me. The only one I am responsible to is God. I’d sure hate to be a parent and try to be training up a child in this mess! Blessings on you all!

So you won’t think I’m overly critical, I do admit I use my computer. I am pretty much whipping my game addiction. I do see the computer is a useful tool for my writing and ranting, but I think I’m going to monitor my computer use for a week or two just to do a self-check.

Here’s my final thought. If I used half the time I spent on electronics doing something physical, creative, or investing in relationships, what would my life look like?

Joshua 1:8 talks about spending time learning and meditating on God’s Word in order that we can do what’s written there. Here’s the cool promise for that type of lifestyle and mindset – “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Sounds good to me!

Blessings

KB