In a radical effort to reduce everyday distractions, one Asbury University sophomore chose to live without a smartphone. Instead, they decided on a much more simple flip phone to take back control of their day-to-day life. Screen time has so far defined their existence, and the hope is that this recent Jan 22th decision is the first step to changing that. As someone who has battled ADHD and depression, the author looks forward to this change helping him create a more productive and healthier life.
The story’s author purchased a flip phone from Walmart and selected the cheapest package of minutes available. This purchase did create a positive shift in their daily routine. Oh boy, that first setup was a challenge, retrieving a frustrating hour and a half of setup time. Unlike most others, that transition meant the author had to get a new phone number. It meant shutting out access to social media platforms, which they believed contributed to their mental health crises.
Infinitely more convenient than any drug dealer, for years, the author found their smartphone to be a go-to remedy to tune out the static of everyday life. Since high school, the author has done five to six hours of screen time a day. Accordingly, their cumulative screen time adds up to roughly 89 full days per year. This scary stat gives an idea of how many hours would be wasted. Instead, Americans should be discovering new passions such as picking up a foreign language or launching an independent venture.
Worry about children’s frequent phone use but research backs up the author’s worries. According to GilPress, “An average American spends about 5 hours and 24 minutes on their phone every day and 57% of Americans consider themselves as ‘phone addicts.’” Author is a High Cell Phone User (HCPU). Unfortunately, this demographic is at greater risk for experiencing a range of mental health challenges. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found an especially shocking statistic. The study determined that 79.7% of HCPU participants reported significant levels of depression. 68.7% were diagnosed with mood disorders.
The whole process will likely be very daunting, and as the author enters this new journey with his mobile flip phone, the law is daunting too. As a result, they have sacrificed widely-loved apps like Maps, Spotify and FaceTime. Still, they are optimistic that this transformation will encourage sustainable, healthy habits in the long-term. According to researchers, it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. Now that I’ve seen the potential of flipping my phone, I’m committed to making it a regular part of my daily routine.
This choice to change devices comes after an awakening that being 1,000% connected was negatively impacting individual development and mental health. The author, having sidelined much Internet nonsense, intends to spend down time in more productive ways. They’re trying to cut down on the distractions that technology brings. It’s this vision that enables them to prioritize their mental health and be present and purposeful with everything life has to offer.
Leave a Reply