WHY YOUR SMARTPHONE IS DESTROYING YOUR LIFE
Additionally, a visible phone in a social setting measurably decreases the depth of the interaction, creating more superficial social exchanges. We’re so obsessed that there’s now a word to describe a fear of being without your phone: “Nomophobia.” This type of long term heavy use comes at a price. Studies link it to hand, neck, and back issues, anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, diminished attention span, antisocial behaviour, decreased empathy — the list goes on. So what should we do about this smartphone tsunami that’s wreaking havoc on our lives, bodies, brains, and relationships?
1. Make a decision not to check your phone on a date or while out to eat. Unless it’s an emergency, keep that time between you and your date special. Show the other person that they are more important than an incoming text, phone call, or Facebook notification.
2. Resist the urge to check your phone. If your date goes to the bathroom, for example, and you have a few minutes by yourself, resist the urge to check Facebook, email, or anything else. Consider praying instead. Think of things to talk about when he or she comes back. Contemplate the other person and how things are going. Think of ways to please him or her. Or, just be content to enjoy a few minutes of silence.