Convenience Not Necessity

I've never been a fan of cell phones or the idea of being in constant communication with people. I don't think it's necessary- it's overkill, it's a crutch. The past couple days I was in Richmond I left my phone at Matt's house and only checked it in the evenings. I won't say that it was liberating or anything that epic but it was nice. There really was no need to be in touch with anyone and I would allege there is never a time, outside of medical type emergencies, when people need to be that accessible.

Cell phones are nice. They make things easy and they can be entertaining, they are great at alleviating boredom. But people become accustomed and then dependent. It's like an addiction. When I got back today and walked into the green room before Schwa 5 people were sitting around on their phones. It's unnecessary and it detracts from the here in now. People become more invested in this non-existent digital life than the life they are actually living. Sure, it can be more superficially engaging, the constant input of information makes you feel in touch and in the know but you're losing the here and now.

If you're hanging out with someone don't check your phone. You should be engaging with that other person and anything outside of that can wait.

Instead of looking stuff up or playing games on your phone talk to those around you or simply observe what's happening in the actual world.

Cell phones make things easy but it's becoming so easy it seems to be making interacting in the real world hard.

Put it down or leave it at home. Just once in a while and remember what it's like.