Try Googling – “Dropped my phone into the Toilet” and kid you not – there are more than 2,31,00,000 results. You will find detailed articles, YouTube videos, and Quora threads dealing just with this issue.
As per a study released by Vioguard– “A strong majority of the respondents (73%) admitted to using their phone on the toilet or standing at the urinal regardless of age or gender”
“Younger people (ages 18-29) admitted to using their phones on the toilet 93% of the time regardless of gender”
When did The Phone become our Inseparable Other?
It’s like everyone is glued to some screen or the other – be it a smartphone, iPad, smart tablet, TV, or laptop. And if that was not enough – there’s the smartwatch that keeps you notified and tugs you back to the screen in case you stray away from it.
It’s something that everyone is doing, so it’s normal.
Would you believe it – It became normal within just the last ten years! Before that, we had simple Nokia phones and landlines. And within this period we have developed a whole new way of living because of it.
The internet and technology have made lives easier, more connected, and more productive – undoubtedly. But there are some critical side-effects that we need to be aware of.
“The Internet is an interruption system. It seizes our attention only to scramble it.”
Nicholas Carr
Internet is attractive, addictive, and invasive
It’s just everywhere – and it is affecting how we spend our time. It is also changing how we deal with things. Since adults are busy with their own screens, they don’t have time for children. So children are given their own screens. Even toddlers have their own iPads these days.
The compulsive need for Social Media
People are clicking pictures and making videos to share on social media all the time. There is a constant “need” to create and edit posts to make them like-worthy. A stunning sunset is best enjoyed by simply looking at it and watching the colors change every minute – but we start taking pictures, and miss enjoying the experience. Same goes for other joys of life like – a good meal, a holiday, etc. The priority seems to have shifted towards taking pictures rather than being still and immersing in the experience.
Internet Addiction
An Estimated 330 Million People Will Potentially Suffer from Internet Addiction in 2022. According to a 2017 report in Technology in Society, estimates suggested that over 210 million people worldwide suffer from internet and social media addictions. (Source)
- Estimates suggest that more than 210 million people worldwide suffer from addiction to social media and the internet.
- Symptoms of depression are twice as likely to appear in teens who spend more than 5 hours a day on their smartphones.
- Not being on social media causes the fear of missing out in 34% of young adults.
- Checking social media while driving happens to 50% of drivers.
- A massive 43% of teenagers feel bad if no one likes their post.
- 74% of all Americans log in to check their Facebook on a daily basis.
Harmful effects of the Internet and Social Media
We are all aware of the harmful effects of the Internet, but as it has become the new normal, it’s not talked about as much as it should be.
Depression– Pictures on social media are misleading. Being on social media makes people prone to depression as they watch other people show things that are missing in their lives – holidays, branded clothes, gym bodies, etc.
FOMO – Watching others display the latest gadget, expensive car or exclusive club creates a Fear of Missing out.
Accidents – The constant need to check the latest ping from the phone causes accidents while driving. The insatiable desire for taking a selfie – A study by the Spanish iO Foundation, has revealed that between January 2008 and July 2021 at least 379 people died while trying to take a selfie.
Low Self-esteem, jealousy, loneliness – People are becoming isolated, social interactions have been reduced. All of this is giving rise to mental health issues.
Increased risk of suicide – Factors like the ones listed above lead to feelings of unworthiness, hopelessness, and therefore an increased risk of suicide.
Loss of empathy – Playing video games and getting rewarded for killing people and animals, winning at any cost is leading to a loss of empathy in children and young adults.
Insomnia – The blue light emitted by gadget screens inhibits the production of melatonin, making it difficult to sleep.
Quick-fix solutions for everything prevent deep thinking and analysis – Everything has a solution on Google – whether it actually works or not. This induces a lack of initiative. Everyone is looking for a quick solution without spending time understanding the issue at hand.
Promotes sedentary lifestyle – The desire to stay tuned, to get entertained through so many channels promotes a sedentary lifestyle – more teenagers are becoming obese than ever.
Brain chemistry – A new study showed that participants with Internet addictions, compared with a control group, had elevated levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a neurotransmitter that has been linked with other addictions and psychiatric disorders.
What happens when we try to withdraw?
It has been seen that when we try to withdraw from the internet and gadgets, there are withdrawal symptoms like that of an addict
Is it Reversible?
Yes – as per a study by FastCompany the harmful effects of digital addiction are totally reversible. Within a week of digital detox they observed that people were sleeping better, had improved memory, better posture, were making social connections, etc.
How to do a Digital Detox
A slow and steady approach works the best. Here are some ways to embark on a digital detox:
- Designate the bedroom as a gadget-free area – when it’s time to go to bed – leave the phone outside.
- Buy a proper alarm clock – Since the phone has an inbuilt alarm, we stopped using traditional clocks and the phone now lies next to the bed with the daily alarm programmed in it. Having a regular bedside clock can remove the dependency on phone for waking up in the morning.
- Make meal times gadget-free – Family conversations have been replaced by photo ops for meal pictures on Instagram and then scrolling through the feed while eating. Put everyone’s phones in a basket during dinner.
- Go for a walk without the phone – Try this – and you will be surprised by the results. Notice and improve your posture without getting distracted by the podcast you are listening to. This will allow you to connect with nature – watch the trees, hear birds, notice the sunrise, etc.
- Gradually introduce a few hours to a full day away from the phone and other gadgets.
- Pick up a pen and paper and revisit the joy of writing with hand during the digital fast.
- Have clear boundaries – It is important to look at work-life balance. It’s not good for your family life if you regularly bring work home and write emails after work hours and during the weekend.
- Use your phone with purpose – The next time you pick up the phone – notice the reason why – is it for making an important call or sending a message – or is it to scroll through social media out of habit?
- Turn off notifications – Every time there is a ping – one reaches for the phone. This results in a few minutes to half an hour of mindless scrolling. Turning off notifications for social media is very helpful in avoiding distractions.
- Use technology to help detox – There are many apps that can be programmed to stop you from using the phone for a period of time – use these to your advantage.
What are your thoughts on Internet and social media addiction?
Have you tried to stay away from your phone/computer for a few hours/few days?
What was that experience like? We would love to know, please share in the comments.
