To those of you who know me it should be no surprise that I am somewhat of a people watcher. “Though often a casual hobby, it can be used formally as a means for sociological, anthropological or psychological research.” Also known as naturalistic observation. I’ve worked in the public for a number of years, as both a correction Officer, and as a Bouncer at a local night club. Not to mention working at a few retail stores in the area. This has given me plenty of opportunity to observe a number of different personality types, as well as how people act and react as a group. You can learn a lot from just stepping back and observing someone in their natural state.
I could go on all night describing these situations but one thing has been plaguing my thoughts for months, Cell Phones. Although cell phones were created to make modern life more convenient, they’re actually beginning to interfere in the lives of users who don’t know when to turn them off. It’s not so much talking on the phone that’s typically the problem although that can have consequences too, It’s this need to be connected, to know what’s going on and be available to other people. That’s one of the hallmarks of cell phone addiction.
Unlike addictions to alcohol, drugs or even gambling, it can be hard to pinpoint problematic cell phone use. Almost everyone has a cell phone and uses it regularly. But if someone can’t get through dinner without sending a text message, I think it may be time to take a step back. How people respond to being separated from their cell phones is another clue. Frequent users often become anxious when they are forced to turn off the phone or if they forget it at home, so much so that they can’t enjoy whatever they’re doing.
Cell phone addiction really becomes problematic for a lot of people if they have underlying anxiety or depression. This can really exacerbate it or cause their symptoms to manifest themselves. For example, someone who already worries about what others think of them could become easily agitated if their phone calls or messages aren’t returned right away. The problem isn’t getting any better. Studies reveal that children with cell phones often don’t make friends with their less tech-savvy peers, and that three-fourths of children have mobile phones, and lastly that 36 percent of college students say they could not get by without cell phones.
I can recall the days when cell phones didn’t exist. We actually had to work to get others attention, i.e. Walk to a pay phone or use your home phone to get in touch with someone. You actually had more face to face interaction with someone. I recall one occasion sitting in a local restaurant with my son. I observed a young couple sitting down eating there meal. Neither one of them really shared a valued conversation. They were too busy texting who ever. This is a problem with personal interaction. I find no value in interacting with someone when there to busy texting someone or constantly looking at their cell phone. Wouldn’t you like to be able to share a valued conversation with someone without the distraction? I know I would.