Phones Have Become Our Best Friends

 

  These days, in public places, such as the subway, bus stations, and train stations, it is difficult to see people’s faces because of smart phones. Everywhere we go, most people hold onto their smart phones and concentrate on them. Even when we are talking with friends and family, we rarely put our phones down. Even the new word, “Nomophobia” appears to explain this phenomenon. What will happen to us in the next few years? Let’s think about it.

 

The Birth of “Nomophobia”

           “Nomophobia” is an abbreviation of “No Mobile-Phone Phobia” and it is used to indicate this addiction phenomenon. If the use of your phone is too frequent and it is impossible to live an ordinary life without it, you could be definitely diagnosed by people around you as a phone addict. As mobile phone technology improves, people who worry about phone addiction have sharply increased in Korea. Moreover, Nomophobia is spreading out all over the world so quickly that it is becoming a world issue. What features of the phone are so fascinating to people?

           Phone addiction stems from the development of the Internet. When it was impossible to use the Internet through phones, people would turn their computers on even if the task was trivial. The time taken to turn the computer on generated inefficiency. After access to the Internet in phones became possible, that inefficiency vanished and people started to solve their everyday tasks by using their phones. Now, smart phones help people to do a host of things: find their destination with maps and GPS and also helpful things like train and bus times; make payments when shopping; and to get information about weather. However, their addictive qualities should be taken seriously.

 

  The negative effects on people

           People’s addiction to smart phones has negative impacts on many personal and social aspects. First, smart phones can worsen our health and are a major temptation to distraction when we need to concentrate on work. The games that people play on their smart phones cause people to bend their necks down. If this position is maintained over time, this can cause damage to our necks. If it becomes serious, it can cause a bone infection. Consequently, the activity for entertainment results in deterioration. In addition, the function of alerts in smart phone makes it impossible for us to concentrate on our work because smart phones are always letting people know the most updated news. It decreases our efficiency.

           Moreover, smart phones can have severe negative impacts on society. Using smart phones too much results in lack of conversations with close friends and family. As you can see in public places, many people in restaurants or cafes scarcely have any conversation at all; they just concentrate on using their phones. As these situations become more and more commonplace, there are many people suffering from superficial relationships to others. This relaxation in relationships with others causes problems of social cohesion.

 

  How People Cope with Nomophobia

           Smart phone addiction causes many problems. Fortunately, many people recognize the problems caused by Nomophobia. So, they try to solve the problems of addiction.

           One example is digital detox, which refers to a period of time during which a person refrains from modern technological devices such as smart phones and computers. It is regarded as helpful in order to reduce stress and to allow focus on social interaction in the physical world. The benefits caused by digital detox include increased mindfulness, lowered anxiety, better appreciation of one's environment, and being more people-oriented.

           Activities of digital detox against “Nomophobia.”

           First, take a break with your brain. Maybe, the desire for searching the Internet or playing computer games is the thing that we need to take a break from for a while. But, during that time, your brain uses specific part of brain. Stay away from your smart phone. Rest is highly effective, so take a rest and do nothing, even if only for a little while.

           Second, move your body without your smart phone. Exercise gives you energy and loosens your stressed muscles.

Thrid, have enough time to talk face to face with others. Most nomophobics obsess over SNS (Social Network Service). Online communities are good at building up friendships, but offline communities are the best at strengthening real friendships.

           Fourth, use your smartphone right. When you set up a basic rule in using your smartphone, smartphone addiction problems will be decreased. These activities give people positive effects.

           The first effect is good for mental health. There is a growing concern among scientists that indulging in digital devices too much is not good for our brains as much as consuming excessive sugar or fat is bad for our bodies.

           The second effect is better human relationships. With digital detoxing, it is possible to maintain better relationships. Many people are experiencing difficulties because of the cultural shift away from face-face communication and a shorter attention span. Spending more time on social media platforms than interacting with people face-to-face in the physical world has a negative effect on the development of communication and social skills.

         

The third effect is increased productivity. Mobile devices and gadgets often cause distractions at work leading to poor performance, carelessness, absent-mindedness, and failure.

           Last but not least, giving your smart phone a break can have a wonderful effect on your posture. The physical effect of too much technology will be reduced. Such effects include wrist, arm, and shoulder pain, as well as ears roaring, eye strain, and lack of sleep. While smart phones are fun and useful, taking a break from your phone can be a very good thing.

 

 
 
 

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