Are You Addicted?

             In the year of 2007, the first Apple iPhone was released; and as many of you know, considering most of you are likely using an Apple device right now, it has become on one of the most popular, if not the most popular, cellphone and technology. Over the years, the amount of people using cellphones and technology has increased drastically, I guarantee majority of the people in this world own some sort of cellphone, or piece of technology. These devices hold things like social media, which I talk about a lot. Although it is important, it isn't the main focus of what I wanted to talk about. You may not realize it, but just being on your phone, scrolling mindlessly, takes away a very high percentage of your life. The worst part is the fact you probably don't even realize you're doing it. Maybe you just got home from school and told yourself that you'd just scroll for a few minutes before you get work done, whether that work involves chores or homework. Those few minutes somehow turned into a few hours. By that time, you would have gotten practically nothing done and would be contemplating how you'll be able to get so much done in such little time. This is a really big issue and should be talked about more. Another thing we don't realize is how much cellphones affect the human brain. I just recently watched a video where this guy did an experiment. This article, What Your Phone Might Be Doing to Your Brain | UNC Health Talk, explains the ways your phone may be affecting your brain. It also states that it affects the way you acquire and apply knowledge. Phone addiction is a real thing, which implies that it could also be used as a coping mechanism for other issues you have in your life. Maybe you spend so much time on your phone to avoid certain issues that you have, to avoid solving certain conflicts or issues. That's something we should all thing about. We spend so much time on our phones, letting our lives slip right past us. Maybe time seems to be moving so fast because we're zoning out, mindlessly clicking buttons and reading information that really isn't that important. Or, it's the fear of missing out. Social Media is where most people give their life updates, or tell other people's business. Whatever it is, we find ourselves wanting to know. But I think we will come to realize that a lot of those things really aren't that important, that it doesn't really affect how we live or breathe. Of course, some information is good to know. However, if it is really valuable, you can find it somewhere else, you could even do your own research. Read articles, watch the news, something other than relying on the media to acquire your information. Having a cellphone gives you immediate access to whatever you want to know. With a click of a button, the world is at your hands. Any area, any time, any place. I believe this takes away our ability to learn, to gain genuine knowledge. I'm someone who still frequently uses and collects digital media. It isn't dead, we shouldn't let it die. 

Yes, this is an issue. Like many other addictions, it will be hard to let go of. However, it is possible with just the right amount of effort. Don't let your life fly right past you.