My Phone Scares Me!

How About You?

Pius Adejumobi
3 min read4 days ago
Photo by Mo on Unsplash

Yesterday, during a rare break at work, I reached for my phone and realized it wasn’t there.

A wave of panic surged through me—only to remember it was just charging nearby.

In those few moments, something profound struck me: the mobile phone has become far more than a tool.

It is now our constant companion, our confidant, and, to some extent, our master.

Whether we admit it or not, mobile phones are indispensable to modern life.

They handle our calls, texts, schedules, reminders, alarms, photos, videos, financial transactions, video conferences, and even our entertainment.

But beneath this convenience lies a darker truth—our dependence on these devices comes with alarming consequences.

The Alarming Truth About Privacy

One night, as I was deep in conversation with my family, my phone suddenly lit up, and a robotic voice chimed in as though it had been eavesdropping.

I was stunned.

It was a stark reminder that our phones are not passive devices; they monitor, record, and potentially share our activities.

This raises troubling questions about privacy.

From tracking our locations to storing sensitive financial data, our phones are treasure troves of information.

In the wrong hands, they can wreak havoc. Scam artists, for instance, have exploited mobile phones to drain people’s bank accounts, leaving them devastated and hopeless.

A Silent Destroyer of Relationships

Our phones, meant to connect us, have ironically become wedges in our relationships.

Consider the damage caused when a suspicious spouse uses a phone to track their partner’s whereabouts. Cheating has become harder to conceal, but at the cost of trust and communication.

Moreover, late-night calls or social media notifications have sown distrust, sometimes even leading to broken marriages.

At home, families sit together yet remain disconnected, each person glued to their own screen.

The art of face-to-face conversation is fading.

The Productivity Killer

Many of us have developed a toxic attachment to our phones.

Instead of starting the day with a prayer or a moment of reflection, we reflexively reach for our screens. Social media, endless browsing, and unproductive apps consume hours of our time.

This addiction has dire consequences:

Fatigue and Poor Sleep

  • Staying up late scrolling leads to waking up groggy and irritable.

Declining Productivity

  • Lost sleep and distractions at work reduce efficiency.

Academic Decline

  • Students who become obsessed with their phones often see their grades suffer.

A Risk to Health and Safety

Mobile phones pose significant physical risks as well.

Radiation Exposure

  • Though still debated, prolonged use of mobile phones may increase the risk of cancer.

Dangerous Habits

  • Texting while driving or walking distracts users, endangering lives on the road.

Posture Problems

  • Constantly bending over screens can lead to chronic neck and back pain.

A Call to Action

The numbers are chilling.

I recently discovered I had spent 18 hours on my phone in a single month! And I’m not alone.

We must ask ourselves

Is this the life we want?

It’s time to reclaim control.

Start by limiting screen time, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, and setting boundaries for phone use.

Let us remember that while mobile phones are powerful tools, they should never replace our humanity, health, or relationships.

Our phones are listening

But it’s up to us to decide how much of our lives we let them take.

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Pius Adejumobi
Pius Adejumobi

Written by Pius Adejumobi

Believer, Father, blogger@breakyourice.com. I want to encourage people to maximize their potential. Join https://breakyourice.medium.com/membership

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