Response to "Why I am Getting A Divorce in 2014"

Although I was going to write about a different article for my first attempt, I found one today recommended by my youth pastor that really intrigued me. The article is titled “Why I am Getting A Divorce in 2014” by Jarrid Wilson which can be found here. As I read the title, I was a little confused, but the first few lines cleared things up for me. I believe that what he has to say is very important. I, too, have an iPhone 5, and feel constantly pressured to press the home button, not to check the time, but to see if anything has been updated. Did my picture on Instagram get any new likes? Did someone post on my Facebook wall? Did any of my tweets get favorited, or even better, retweeted? 

When I was introduced to the smartphone world in July, I thought it was the coolest thing. I was constantly checking to see if I had any new notifications, and posted extra to be sure that something was always happening. I know, some of you may think that it was just because it was a new phone. Certainly it would wear off, right? But it didn’t. I have an obvious obsession with my phone, and specifically social media.

As I began college, I thought that it wouldn’t matter if I had a smartphone or not, but on the contrary, it mattered a great deal. With my declared major in journalism, it is crucial for many projects that I am able to post on the go, and use certain media to complete assignments. This may not be a big deal to most, but it just encouraged my obsession. Even as I write this, I am checking my phone to see if I have received any text messages.

I decided even before I read this article that there had to be a change made. Although I may think it is necessary to use my cell phone for certain things pertaining to school, the truth of the matter is, sometimes I need to just shut it off. Wilson brings up some good arguments about how crazy phones can make us, especially in social situations. I’ve seen people supposedly using their “bible app” during church, while secretly checking emails or playing games.

I think the author was right about many things. Phones are great at keeping our attention, distracting us from actually living our everyday lives. As a matter of fact, it's their job. However, it's important to realize that the longer we push this issue under the rug, the worse it may begin to affect us. We cannot keep denying our obsession.

Realizing that I am addicted to my phone is upsetting and ridiculously frustrating. I need to realize that being on my phone and using it as a source of entertainment is taking me away from physical conversations with others, and enjoying face-to-face interaction. As a change, some of my goals for 2014 involve eliminating social media so that I can get back to living my life without the distractions that my phone brings. 

In the end of the article, Wilson makes 5 suggestions for phone users to try, which may help them to make a change. 

Learn to balance the time you spend on your phone.

Make your phone an accessory rather than a priority.

Give yourself limitations as to when and where your phone can be used.

Control how you use your phone, and stop allowing your phone to control you.

Try spending parts of your weekends unplugged, offline, and away from your mobile device.

What will you do? Will you make a change this year?