I'm sure everyone in our generation has gotten grief about being on their phone at some time or another. Our elder generations only look at the negative aspects of a cell phone, never the positives.

I'm here to tell you that after going without a cell phone, I learned how important it is to have one.

I’m sure many of your parents have said to you, at one time or another, that you and your iPhone are inseparable. Some of you may have agreed and others probably thought, “Nah, I could live without it.” I’m here to tell you that you probably can’t live without it.

After a series of unfortunate events I was in possession of a water damaged iPhone. I felt rather helpless. I did not have an upgrade in my contract for a few months so I was forced to get a non-smart phone. At first, I was sure I could handle it and even make a few flip phone jokes. I quickly learned it's a rough life living without a smart phone.

It all started with the alarm clock. The night before I got my non-smart phone I had to relearn how to set my regular alarm clock. I know that sounds sad but, honestly, who uses an alarm clock anymore that isn’t on their iPhone? The struggles continued when I had to find out the weather in the morning. Since I didn’t have my trusty weather app, I had walk outside to check the temp. I would have gone on my MacBook, but the Internet was down. 

I knew I could handle setting an alarm and checking the weather using other methods, but I was not prepared for the texting fiasco. As most of you know, when you have an iPhone your texts send as iMessages to all your friends with iPhones. When you get a non-smart phone and your friends still send you iMessages you do not receive text messages. Try making plans when your friends receive your texts, but you can’t receive theirs. You can’t, so you resort to calling people and you learn that besides your parents and your grandma no one wants to talk to you on the phone. 

Now, I could tell you about the Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram withdrawals, but I don’t want to depress you. The point I’m trying to make is that we are undeniably dependent on our iPhones/Droids. And you know what? Who cares? So what that we upload a bunch of pictures of family and friends to Instagram. Were we not told growing up as kids to take pictures with loved ones so you have memories? We found a way to do that and have them in a place where they will always be there.

As far as Snapchat and texting goes, communication is what makes the world go 'round. I may not have time to call my little cousin to see how her dance recital went, but I can guarantee that sending her a Snapchat or text will show her that even though I am away at school, I still care about her.

Also, how cool is it that smart phones now have apps to protect you? I recently read about an app that you use when you feel you could be in danger so if you let go of your phone without typing in your passcode it will notify the police. 

The next time your mom bugs you about being on your phone tell her all the good things your smart phone can do. I guarantee it will make her think twice. Oh, in case anyone cares, I put my iPhone in rice for a week and it works again.