My phone got stolen on Tuesday while studying abroad, which means that by the time I get a new one, I will have gone a week and a half without a phone. This may not seem like a long time, but in 2016, it definitely is. Of course, I have a laptop, so I'm not exactly cut off from the Internet world. However, here are some things that have happened after going a week without a phone.
1. I lost the ability to Snapchat and Instagram.
I briefly went on Instagram on my Mac to change my password for security measures, but besides that, I did not go on it. I was also obviously not able to look at Snapchat. And I honestly can't say I even missed social media that much. Of course, I found myself occasionally wondering how many Snapchats I was missing, or what my friend had posted on Instagram that day, but I wasn't too upset about not getting to check.
2. When I hung out with people, I felt much more aware of how much everyone uses their phones.
I definitely became aware of not having a phone when I was in a group and there was a lull in conversation and everyone took out their phones, or while we were waiting for 15 minutes to do something, and to pass the time, everyone used their phones. Of course, if I had my phone, I'd be doing the same thing.
3. I became very reliant on my watch.
I wear my watch nearly every single day, but I have to admit, it is often just cosmetic, as I like how it looks, and I often still use my phone to check the time without even thinking. Once I couldn't carry my phone around with me and I knew I'd need to check the time, I always made sure my watch was on before leaving to go anywhere.
4. I took fewer photos.
When I have my phone, I tend to take tons of photos, maybe not even of things that are super interesting or necessary. I also take multiple photos of everything as well as save Snapchats. I obviously didn't have my phone to take pictures, but I only once took my camera with me to take photos, when I went hiking. I do enjoy taking photos, but I think part of the reason I do is because it is just so easy and convenient to do it quickly with a phone whenever the urge comes.
5. I used Facebook and email much more.
Since I could not use any other social media (I don't have Twitter) or WhatsApp, Facebook became my social media of choice. I also frequently checked email and communicated with some people this way.
6. Overall, I learned I do not need my phone as much as I think I do.
Although there were many times when I missed being able to check something quickly on my phone, like the weather, a tip amount, the time or Snapchat, I realized I could live without any of these things easily. It was frustrating not being able to have something everyone else had, but it was honestly refreshing not being glued to my phone at all times. I got a break from the endless Instagram feed, Snapchats, Facebook app notifications, emails and other apps coming at me at every second. I hope that when I do get my new phone in a couple of days, I can remember that while it is important and fun to communicate with people through technology, I do not need to be reliant on it, and I can certainly live without it.
