- “Men have become the tools of their tools.” -Henry David Thoreau
Before I proceed and alienate everyone, I first want to clarify that I am not against technology and I don’t think smartphones are inherently bad. I’m not trying to pull a John Connor and convince you to rage against the machine and destroy your cell phone.
In fact, I think technology is a critical component of our culture’s development. Smartphones can be extremely helpful. Not only can they end many arguments with instant fact-checking, but they provide an endless supply of free information and the ability to connect with almost anyone in a first world country. This creates many opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
But like my mom always says, “everything is okay…in moderation.”
The problem arises when smartphones go from a tool to a behavior. Soon after this, addiction ensues. Next thing you know you’re so dependent on your cell phone that you’re looking for outlets in public places.
I know what you’re thinking, a cell phone addiction isn’t that bad as far as addictions go. It’s just a cell phone, right?
I would strongly disagree. Not only are all addictions/attachments are bad, but cell phone addiction can have some serious side effects. To make this evident, I’ve created this list to help people understand the dangers of a cell phone addiction.
25 Reasons Why Your Cell Phone is Bad for You
1. It’s an Addiction (like a drug)
2. Promotes Static Posture (text neck, text claw, slump back, decreased novel sensory input, etc.)
3. It’s a Distraction
4. Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
6. Can Damage Your Hands
7. Blue Light
8. Damages Vision / Eyes (Myopia)
9. Reduces Downtime
10. Reduces Situational Awareness
13. Impairs Gait (disturbs the way you walk)
14. Increases Sedentary Lifestyle and Risk of Obesity (even the blue light alone alters metabolism)
15. Disrupts Sleep (click here to understand why sleep is important for your health)
16. Decreases Attention Span and Capacity
17. Decreases Quality of Interactions with Those Around You (damages relationships)
18. Tends to promote shallow work instead of deep work
19. Prevents Creativity and Daydreaming
20. Makes You A Dangerous Driver
21. Creates Unnecessary “Work”
22. Increases Risk of Mental Health Problems (depression, anxiety, narcissism, etc.) – especially social media use
23. Harvests More Bacteria Than a Toilet
24. Inhibits Interactions With Surrounding Environment/Nature
25. Makes You Less Homo Sapien
- “The danger always exists that our technology will serve as a buffer between us and nature, a block between us and the deeper dimensions of our own experience.”-Rollo May
10 Things That Will Help
1. Treat it like an addiction
2. Become aware of your phone use (use an app to assess the time you’re on your phone, yes, I do appreciate the irony of this)
3. Leave your phone in another room
4. Limit the amount of times you check social media per day
5. Don’t check social media or emails until late morning/early afternoon
6. Put your phone out of reach when you’re spending time with others or doing activities that require attention
7. Turn off notifications
8. Focus on other things (mindfulness, hobbies, books, etc.)
9. Shut off all screens at least one hour before bed
10. Take a Digital Sabbatical
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The main reason I do this blog is to share knowledge and to help people become better clinicians/coaches. I want our profession to grow and for our patients to have better outcomes. Regardless of your specific title (PT, Chiro, Trainer, Coach, etc.), we all have the same goal of trying to empower people to fix their problems through movement. I hope the content of this website helps you in doing so.
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