Are you addicted to your phone?

Honestly I believe that there are those who are truly addicted to their phones. Case in point, the other day I was driving my SUV when a young woman holding a baby under her arm with earphones in her ears suddenly crossed the street in front of me. In her other hand was her phone that she was staring down at. I slammed on the brakes, she didn't hear me because of the ear phones and didn't see me either because of her staring down to her phone. She continued across the street with the baby under her arm! She was not even aware of me and had no idea she had narrowly missed being hit.

I see this at airports, shopping malls, grocery stores etc. There does seem to be a segment of the population that appear hopelessly addicted to their phones. In fact I personally know of people who simply can't be without them. What irks me is when I see people talking on the phone or even texting while driving. In many jurisdictions this is now illegal.

I have tried my level best to not overdo my need to use my phone. At times I even shut the thing off for an hour or two just to get some peace. So what about you, any addiction there?

 

I think most of us are addicted to phones nowadays, but what seems important to me is to let our addiction away at least at the moments that really need our attention like the one you presented here.

 

Yes quite right, there are times when one should put the phone down. When you are not able to discern when that is, then this is truly an addiction.

 

These days we have Smartphones, Smartcars, Smartboards, Smarteverything, but consider this: if technology is getting smarter, does that mean humans are getting dumber?

 

Yes this is a huge problem these days.

In my case I removed the Facebook app from my phone years ago (still have Messenger for contact) and also utilise airplane mode a lot throughout the day.

 

Good point, we are becoming too stupid to resist all these technological temptations.

@zomex, it appears that you at least are not addicted...well done.

 

Yes but we never living without these all technologies....Strange!

 

Have we all become addicted to the point where we cannot break free? I deleted my Facebook account years ago and I do shut my phone off every evening for at least an hour. I am trying to break free but will never be able to completely.

 

God, I dropped my phone in the washroom yesterday and came across this article today - https://shopebuzz.com/blogs/home-improvement/a-woman-invented-a-universal-phone-holder-after-she-dropped-her-cell-phone-in-a-public-bathroom. Is google fuckin tracking me when I am taking a dump..

 

The hidden cam is probably in your toilet handle. Simply place electric tape over the handle and they can no longer watch you. ...

P.S. @jrbiz...do you have any more tinfoil hats left?

 

I use the phone only when I am in a secure location. I don't use it walking on the street.

 

Two years ago I was in a secure location. It was in a big shopping mall. For some reason one of the stores was late in opening and had not yet opened their big sliding glass doors. I was sitting at the food court when I saw a fat guy walking while texting and he walked right into the glass! His head made a loud BANG! when it hit the glass. The guy dropped his phone and walked away after picking it back up and rubbing his head.

People are so cruel, most were laughing at him. (including me)

 

Big shopping mall is NOT secure. Only in ur home or when riding in a vehicle. All other areas you're at risk.

 

You did not specify whether or not you meant as a passenger or as a driver. Where I am from you would be issued a hefty fine and points on your insurance if you are caught using a phone while driving.

 

We can add another shift to the tinfoil hat production line, if needed.

On a more serious note, I am not addicted to my phone, but I am addicted to being accessible online. I spend most of my online time on a laptop because the screen is easier to read and there is a keyboard. My "addiction" focuses around my career: sales and marketing. I am constantly checking emails, texts, chat, etc., to be sure that I am following up with customers, colleagues, vendors, etc. My addiction, therefore, is fueled by the thrill of the hunt (sales hunting) and FOMO on that big deal that could change the company. My phone is used to take calls or to check emails or chat if I am away from the laptop. Otherwise, it is in my pocket.

 

Very good post and I could have written it myself word for word. No tinfoil hat for you as you appear to have struck a healthy balance between need and addiction.

 

No, but nobody likes stupid people with smartphones.

 

Hahaha! That is true, but it would be better than having smart people with stupidphones.

 

I know that I really spend a lot of time talking or texting with friends.

 

Es bueno reunirse con amigas por telefono, verdad? *with a name like Castro, you must be Spanish, Cubano?
(It's good to connect with friends on the phone, true?)