Excessive smartphone use can be harmful and even dangerous to your health, time, and personal safety. Let's talk about the “real price” of being online. Ninety percent of the population in large cities owns a smartphone. The very question “Do you have a smartphone?” is no longer commonly asked. And few people consider the downside of progress.
Banks, social services, and stores have all gotten into the game, releasing various mobile apps. However, a statement to the contrary might come as a major surprise. So, a shocking confession: I don't have a smartphone .
But let's go back a bit. What's been happening over the last two decades? Computers have become more compact, and phones have become smarter. Laptops, netbooks, tablets. Finally, the modern communicator, or smartphone, has arrived.
What makes him so attractive?
1. “All in one.” Phone, camera, media player, internet.
2. At the same time, complete mobility compared to stationary equipment.
3. As a result: the ability to constantly stay in touch (email, instant messengers, social networks).
This was enough to make it “everyone's tech darling.” And the downsides were overshadowed by advertising and publications. Ultimately, the trendy trend overcame common sense.
What's wrong with a smartphone?
1. Unnecessary expenses . Although not so terrible. This is the most insignificant point, really.
The device itself, 10,000 rubles, is a reasonable minimum. But, of course, you need to get the “best,” which will cost 20,000-30,000 rubles or more. The monthly fee (mainly for internet and additional services) is around 1,000 rubles, again a minimum. Furthermore, smartphones don't last long; they're easy to drop, so they often end up being replaced every year or two. So, that's 3,000 rubles a month for communication.
2. Being constantly connected means you receive a variety of messages. This consumes your time and attention.
3. You are constantly being controlled, literally and figuratively.
Management, colleagues, friends—everyone wants to know where you are, what you're doing, what you're thinking. If that doesn't bother you too much, consider the following.
Online privacy is under attack, one way or another. Data is constantly being collected for various purposes. Furthermore, we constantly post information about ourselves on social media. As a result, a vast dossier is compiled about us through our smartphones: interests, thoughts, photos, connections, and more.
4. Take a look around you on public transportation or the street, and at the behavior of your friends and loved ones. Many people simply can't let go of their device! They constantly find a reason to “work” with it. They look at photos, videos, play computer games. In other words, things that previously required a computer or other device are now done on the go and without stopping (on the subway, on the street, during lunch and before bed, and, of course, while working).
This kind of strain can lead to a whole host of physiological problems : The screen is like a light bulb, or rather, thousands of light bulbs shining into your eyes. This affects your vision. Of course, it's most comfortable to sit or lie down. Your body doesn't move. Problems with your hands , which type, press, and hold the smartphone, can occur. Finally, there 's radiation from 3G/4G internet (yes, nothing's proven, but you'll definitely get a headache if you use your smartphone for hours to access the internet, although that's a separate topic. Let's just say that distance from the device, the time spent actively online, its power, and the type of radiation are all important factors; even Wi-Fi is significantly less dangerous than 3G/4G).
Of course, you can get used to anything. That is, humans are “animals” that can tolerate any kind of harm, yet, surprisingly, life expectancy is even increasing. But you must admit, this is something to think about. Our healthcare is no longer free. Children and teenagers are most affected.
5. “Retreat to virtual reality.” Minimal “live communication.” (Although sometimes this is the only option for communicating with a specific person.)
It seems like the list of “cons” significantly outweighs the “pros”?
So what's the bottom line? I'm not advocating giving up your smartphone. Although that would be an interesting solution. Let's use this technology wisely. Don't constantly have it in your hands and text someone, watch something, etc. Besides, it's not very polite to the person you're talking to. You can turn off all notifications. Check email and other messages only at certain times. Learn more about privacy issues. Consider limiting the dissemination of information about yourself. Consider your health. Try to neutralize negative influences whenever possible.
So, everything needs to be done in moderation. Sometimes, in the rush of life, we forget this. New technologies are tempting, but they are not absolutely necessary for use everywhere and all the time.
