Growing up, my childhood revolved around my mom and me, which meant I had my first cell phone by the time I turned 10. Sure, many might argue that was too young, but given our situation, it was essential. There were moments when I had to stay home alone for short stretches, and without a landline, my cellphone served as our lifeline, tucked away in a junk drawer until I needed it.
Fast forward to today, and my phone has become an extension of myself, rarely leaving my side. It’s a source of comfort, and I can’t help but feel somewhat exposed when I don’t have it in hand. Currently, I’m jotting down these thoughts using my phone’s notes app. It woke me up this morning as my alarm, since my kids decided to let me sleep in for once. Earlier, I relied on it as a timer, and last night, I lost track of time scrolling through social media before drifting off to sleep.
It’s about time my phone and I took a break from each other. As someone who tends to feel deeply and overthink everything, I’ve often found myself overly affected by online content, which adds unnecessary stress to my mental well-being. The constant access to social media means I obsess over things that shouldn’t matter, all at my fingertips.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve deleted and reinstalled my Facebook app. Yet, even when I don’t actively use it, I still catch myself checking it through my browser. Why? I have no idea, but it feels maddening at times. Maybe it’s my way of staying connected to the outside world, providing an escape from the never-ending cycle of juice boxes and children’s shows. Or perhaps it’s the instant gratification that social media provides.
Let’s face it, today’s smartphones are the epitome of instant gratification. Post a photo, and in no time, you’re met with likes and comments that boost your self-esteem. Need an answer? Just a quick Google search away. Curious about your friend’s new partner? A couple of Facebook searches will do.
While we often discuss the pitfalls of video game addiction, what about the cell phone obsession among parents? I worry that I’m missing precious moments with my family because I’m glued to a virtual world that fits in my palm. Do my kids question why I prioritize my device over them? Can I convince them it’s “just for work” or that I’ll “put it down in a minute?”
Truthfully, responding to an email or social media notification doesn’t always require my immediate attention, yet I find myself reacting as if it’s urgent. I do need social media for my job; staying updated on trends is essential for my work. But I must learn to balance that with my family life.
Unless we’re facing an apocalypse (yes, I’m a Walking Dead fan), the internet will still be there tomorrow, just like it was today—minus a few trending stories. My family, however, will continue to grow and change, while I stare at a screen that offers no real value.
I recognize that this reliance on my phone isn’t worth it—not to me and certainly not to my family. We all know it’s not worth it, yet we justify our constant engagement with our devices. Today’s smartphones have transformed dramatically since the one I had at ten. Now, the entire world is literally at our fingertips.
My cellphone serves as my alarm clock, calculator, entertainment system, camera, and, regrettably, a source of comfort. But it can never replace my family, and at times, it does more harm than good. It’s become a time-sucking parasite in my life.
I’ve decided it’s time for a break—a timeout for myself because I deserve it, but more importantly, my family does too. They need my attention, my presence, and my love.
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Summary:
In this article, Jamie Thompson reflects on her relationship with her cellphone, realizing it has become a distraction and a source of stress. Despite its benefits, she recognizes the need to step back and prioritize her family over her device, seeking a healthier balance in life.