Facebook,Snapchat,Twitter, Instagram,Spotify, FIFA, Call of Duty... the list goes on and on.
Ever add up the amount of time spent within a day looking at a screen whether it be a phone, computer, or gaming system? Nowadays, if you are born from 1995 and on you are known as generation Z. This Generation Z is the technology based group.
Here are a couple questions to consider as you read this article . Be honest with yourself: Have you ever been in a conversation and when it became boring or you didn't know what to do you got on your phone? Have you ever pretended you were on the phone to avoid an encounter you didn't want to happen? Do you constantly check news feeds? Every time there's a new notification on your screen can you not help to open and respond to it immediately? Is your phone "your identity" and without it you don't know how you would survive in the real world? Do you spend hours playing on the PS3? These questions help you reflect and see what areas in your life you need help with to change the bad habit.
1. Interactions
As a member of Generation Z I have experienced the toxic aspects of the new technology being developed everyday. Teens are so engrossed in their phones that they never have time to look up and see what's in front of them. Social interaction is so important not just because you're talking face to face but because it's great communication and it enables you to develop in your speech for job interviews, public speaking, everyday conversation, etc..... Through experience, I have observed that this generation is afraid of confrontation. They are afraid that the other person will not like what they say and ultimately to them it's easier to say it in a text because you can think about it for a while, send it when you want, and most of all you don't have to see their emotions. My challenge: Step out of your comfort zone, put away those screens, reach out to a peer, teacher, friend/family and be intentional and have a conversation without the factor of a phone.
2. Distractions
Throughout the time I started writing this article to the time I finished, I've gotten a notification pop up, and naturally I glanced at it for a second and then instantly lost my train of thought when I got back to writing. I'm sure I'm not alone with this problem. These screens are killing attention spans. I, for one, already have a short attention span.
Last summer, I worked at a camp for a month and the camp took up our phones. For the first few days without my phone, I felt incomplete. As the month went on, I came to realize that I enjoyed not having a phone. I became so grateful for that time. I was able to be fully present where I was and not have to worry about what was happening in the digital world. I was able to develop relationships on a deeper level(talk face to face), learn how to speak my mind verbally instead of on a screen. Just from that experience I viewed communication at a whole new level. I became more comfortable in everyday conversation. If I have an issue with someone , instead of texting them, I will intentionally wait to speak to them in person.
3. Social Media Toxicity
How much does social media influence your decisions? Have you ever looked at a post and then your mood has shifted for the rest of the day? Teens are at the crux of this issue. Be careful to not let it influence you. Looking at other people's posts becomes demeaning in the way that it can affect you. You can look at a post and it will naturally stir up several emotions: whether it be jealousy, anger, disappointment, and on and on.
Don't be two faced. This simply means don't be one personality with face to face interaction and another on a screen. Believe it or not this is an issue. Be careful of who you are portraying on social media and really ask yourself would I do this in person.
5. Practically
With all this said, I encourage you to see how the ratio of human interaction to phone interaction you have within a day. Practically this would look like putting your phone on away and not looking at it when you're with friends or family because they want the fully present you, not the "Im halfway paying attention to you ". Enjoy the real world, invest your full attention to where you are(that text message can wait), build a healthy community, take on a new hobby.... life is too short to be spent behind a screen, and I hope this article encourages you that interactions face to face can and will make a difference.
