I thought I’d seen it all with ridiculous phone use
As smartphone technology began to evolve and seemingly make every daily task possible to manage and/or complete from the palm of your hand, I was hooked. Now, as it continues to invade our lives I’m gradually — maybe not gradually, so much as abruptly — stepping back.
I’ve been increasingly disturbed by the bizarre ways I see people glued to their screens, completely oblivious to the world around them. (How many times has someone been walking toward you only to look up just steps before crashing into you?)
It’s not just the usage; it’s the context that leaves me shaking my head and wondering, “Are we even here anymore?”
One of the most disheartening sights is seeing dog owners completely engrossed in their phones while walking their furry friends. These walks should be cherished moments of bonding, a chance for both human and canine to enjoy the fresh air and connect. Instead, the dog is often left to sniff aimlessly, tugging at the leash, while their owner mindlessly scrolls through social media. The guilt I feel for that poor animal is immense. They’re missing out on the very connection they crave. It’s a blatant disregard for the precious companionship they offer.
And then there are the public restroom phone users. I understand the need for distraction sometimes, but witnessing a man using his phone at a urinal? It’s perplexing, unhygienic and frankly, a little unsettling. Are we so desperate for constant stimulation that we can’t even disconnect for the few seconds it takes to relieve ourselves? It speaks to a deeper issue of our inability to simply exist in the moment, even in the most mundane of situations.
Just this morning, I witnessed what might be the pinnacle of phone-induced absurdity. A woman was standing on her front lawn, watering her grass with a hose in one hand, and clutching her phone in the other — holding it sideways to watch a video. Watering the grass! An outdoor activity. An opportunity to appreciate the sun on your skin, the smell of freshly cut grass, the simple act of nurturing your lawn. Instead, she was passively consuming content on a screen, completely detached from the reality in front of her. This scene perfectly encapsulates the pervasive nature of our phone obsession: we’re sacrificing genuine experiences for digital distractions, even when the opportunity to be present is literally right in front of us.
Finally, let’s talk about the performative “social media detox.” You know the posts: “Taking a break from social media! Need to focus on myself!” OK, great. But honestly, do we really need an announcement? Does anyone genuinely care that you’re taking a step back from posting selfies and sharing memes to, like, kinda, sorta, um, live life? The irony is almost unbearable. You’re publicly announcing your intention to disconnect, thereby seeking validation and attention while claiming you need a break from it all.
Plus, let’s be honest, we all know that person is still lurking, scrolling and silently judging from the shadows. They might not be posting, but they’re definitely still consuming. The “detox” becomes less about genuine self-reflection and more about a temporary shift in online behavior, fueled by a need for attention and a fear of missing out.
I’m not advocating for a complete abandonment of our phones. (Or maybe I am.) They’re powerful tools that connect us, inform us and entertain us. But I implore you, to be more mindful of your usage. (And don’t even call me out for being a hypocrite considering you’re likely reading this on your phone right now. I get the irony. I just hope you’re not taking a piss while your thumb scrolls this commentary.)
Put down your phone during dog walks, appreciate the simple act of watering the lawn, and maybe, just maybe, keep your phone away from the shitter. Reclaim the moments that make life meaningful, the moments that are happening right in front of you, and rediscover the joy of simply being present.
RECOMMENDED READING: Put Down Your Damn Phone Already
