I read an interesting article on some college students giving up their phones for two weeks. They became MORE aware of what was going on around them and actually talked to people. I wonder if the people who post here about being lonely at college might benefit from giving up their phones.
The article: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/614934/teenagers-without-cell-phones/
It’s great to disconnect. Helps you stay present. I think that’s a key to happiness. Not wanting to be or with or doing something else.
I agree, except that they may become MORE lonely if other people don’t also give up phones.
As an adult I was the last person I know to get a phone (except my husband, who still won’t carry one). I finally got one when my daughter entered high school. 2 1/2 years ago because she wanted to be able to reach me when doing activities independently, like band trips. I can’t tell you how many other adults were annoyed at me for inconveniencing
them by my not having one (and for social reasons, not professional ones).
I don’t think kids or young adults even know how to carry on friendships without phones. It’s completely a texting culture now.
It’s become like breathing to lots of these kids (perhaps most).
The other thing I notice is how distracted they get. Hard for them to ignore the constant updates they get form their various social media accounts. That would drive me crazy.
I was sitting at a Subway the other day having lunch. In walks an older man with two teen age girls (I am assuming its dad and daughter and friend).
The dad goes and orders 3 sandwiches while the two teens sit just across from me. Each is holding their phone right in front of them. They are furiously scanning thru whatever. No words are spoken only an occasional giggle and the turn of their screens so the other could see it.
The dad gets the sandwiches and taps on their table and they all leave.
And this isn’t the first time I’ve observed this type of behaviour. Crazy to me.
My wife and I gave our two kids cell phone when they entered middle school. We both worked and wanted them to check in after school. But they were not to have their phones out of their backpacks while at school (also a school rule). And definitely not out during dinner and highly discouraged, in general, when at home. Not to say we or our kids are perfect, but far different from what I observe these days.
So this must be the reason my kids don’t text me back when at college… ??.. Must be not using their phones… Got it ??.
@Knowsstuff OMG, I am cackling right now! Yes, this most certainly must be the issue with my daughter as well.
@CMB625. I usually get the “I’m busy” excuse. Man college just be “really” keeping these kids going day and night. When we get worried we just text “Are you alive” then we usually get a quick text back and talk later that day /night since they are to “busy” to talk… Lol…
But we as well made the mistake to give them phones in middle school since we didn’t want to get out of our car, walk inside and look for them. So calling them to come out made sense… Agh…
Love the article. BTW. My daughter has gone ingognito for awhile. Deleted her Facebook at. Didn’t really miss anything. She has a Facebook but it’s more of a “this is what I am doing and BTW… Not commenting on your comments…” lol. My son doesn’t really do social media. They both text.