Are You Dependent Upon Your CELL PHONE?

Photo Source: intomobile.com

Sunday, I lost my cell phone. I found myself reaching for it many times only to realize that it was lost. I went to two stores and between those stops and home, I misplaced it. I’d hoped that an honest person or cashier would return it. However, that is oftentimes not the case. Monday, I retraced my steps to make sure my cell phone wasn’t under my bed or in between the sofa. I then went back to those same stores to confirm for myself that my cell phone wasn’t recovered. By this time, I was frantic! I was (and to be honest, still am) completely stressed out. I literally felt as if I was lost and there was no one around to save me. After getting home and taking a deep breath, this incident inspired an article topic to form. I asked questions like (1) Why is the loss of this cell phone so important to me? (2) Why do I feel completely out-of-touch and unprotected without my cell phone? The first answer that came to mind was the fact that someone could have access to my personal information. I solved that quickly by suspending my account. Additionally, the cell phone is hardly inexpensive, so losing it does involve monetary value (especially if you have to replace it). The second question was the one that perplexed me.

I really had to come to terms with how much technology has changed our lives. I fully acknowledge that cell phones are very useful gadgets. If my tire gets stuck and I am far away, I can push a button to call AAA. It is handy to have in emergencies where land lines are not in your reach. I have convenient buttons that allow me to access the internet, set alarms, schedule appointments, store photos and videos, and more. In essence, the cell phone is a tool that allows me to instantly reach out to others and vice versa. Yet, it’s hard for me to remember how I survived before the late 90s.

I had to really break things down and assess the root of the problem. It comes down to dependency and feeling that you can’t operate without owning a cell phone. Do we really have to be “on-call” 24-7? I challenge you to turn off your cell phones for one full day, and assess how you functioned without it. (I know your probably saying, “She is just doing this because she is without a cell phone!” Haha you may be right). To be truthful, this isn't the first time I've misplaced a cell phone and it won't be the last.

I want to leave you with this truth: Technology is certainly a wonderful tool. But remember: we functioned very well before many of these gadgets were on the market. You can still be connected to the world regardless of what technological tool you have.

Have you ever left home without your cell phone and turned around to go back and get it? How dependent are you upon your cell phone?