“I hate my mom’s phone and I wish she never had one.”
This line, according to an article in C/Net Magazine, is from a second grader’s essay paper. Research has indicated that 40% of those aged 18-29 are online almost constantly. The common addiction so many have to their smartphones is related to the same brain chemical that is generated in other forms of addiction, dopamine.
One smartphone addict said it this way, “Sometimes it’s a breaking news story that draws me in, other times it’s boredom. Whatever it is, this device in my hands — which gives me access to nearly all human knowledge plus all the cat videos I could ever want — is constantly calling for my attention.”
A percentage of those chained to their devices eventually lose perspective to the point that their online experiences are more important to them than normal everyday life. The enemy of our souls is constantly at work finding new ways to peddle his age-old agenda of turning attention away from the eternal timeless truths and toward any distraction that fills the desires and needs of people, even if is but for a few fleeting moments.
Many of us have the convenience of a smartphone, but we all need an honest assessment of our dependence on such devices. If we see in our uses of this technology a growing sense of dependence, we must address the issue and make the adjustments needed to get to where our life is not ruled by technology. No pixelated 5” screen will ever capture the majesty of the wonders of God’s creations in the real world. Lift up your eyes and look.