Is there something comforting about simply clutching a phone? Is it a resource to defeat awkward silences? What is the purpose of being constantly glued to the device?
Perhaps as you’ve walked around campus, you’ve noticed that a majority of individuals are staring down at their phones both as they walk to class and as they wait. I’m guilty of it too, but why do we do it?
I talked to a few Sinclair students to see what contributes to their screen time and to understand how they feel about it.
KATIE WESTBELD: CREATIVE WRITING
When you find yourself pulling out your phone, what is it for? Entertainment? To defeat awkwardness? Boredom?
“Usually to check the time, or sometimes I pull it out because I feel awkward waiting before a class. I take out my phone and it feels normal.”
What do you think you could be missing out on in the moment if you’re on your phone instead?
“I could be talking to someone before class instead. I like to talk with people but I don’t always feel like it or I just don’t want it to be awkward, so I’ll do something else.”
MAYCEE O’DELL: EDUCATION
“Entertainment and posting on social media.”
“I could be doing homework instead. With my best friend, when she comes over, sometimes we’ll just sit on my bed and be on our phones when we could be talking.”
CAMERON MCFARLAND: CREATIVE WRITING
“Typically, either school or work. I’m normally checking proposals and messages.”
“All types of things. You miss out on interpersonal connections and conversations. You miss out on noticing unique things in your environment and just being present and just enjoying the things around you.”
Clearly, there are various, valid reasons to pull out your phone: work, socializing, even boredom. Oftentimes though, it seems like our lives are consumed by these devices, making us miss out on what’s right in front of us.
Macey Heys, Managing Editor
(Featured Image from Canva)