The iPhone has debatably been the biggest technological development in history. After all, it is the power of a computer in your hands! While technology has improved, many things, including the availability of knowledge, can negatively affect the health of its users.
However, one question remains unanswered: how much does your phone affect your daily life?
Haverford students are part of the generation known for its digital usage and constant dependence on technology: GenZ. Many students can attest to how abundant technological use affects them. Perspectives vary: some were cognizant and wanted to change, while others cared less.
“I use my phone a lot. I would be in the exact same place,” Fifth Former Robert Goens said.
Goens also voiced how some students use technology for their benefit. They might learn and create new inventions to help people. On the other hand, it can be very distracting.
“[I use technology] a lot. I try to limit my screen usage because of how much time it has taken away from me,” says Third Form President Ray Kresge. “I want to use my phone for my benefit; to further my knowledge. Not to distract from the world around me.”
It is often hard to fathom life without something you depend on every day—a phenomenon that is illustrated by the experience of upper school students.
I, personally, would be able to think more freely and construct my opinions better without a phone. It affects all aspects of my daily life, and my mental health would be better, too.
Using your phone is synonymous with bad time management. Your phone contains good information, but social media’s abundance makes it difficult to decipher what is true and what is not.
Time could be better spent developing friendships and learning about the beauty of the universe.
As time is irreplaceable, it is easy to realize phone usage detracts from more important things, like socializing. It prevents focusing on class material. You only have limited time on this earth, and only a small amount of time as a child. Time on your phone is unnecessary if the goal is to truly experience life.
Time could be better spent developing friendships and learning about the beauty of the universe. It could be spent hiking on a family trip, baking cookies, and possibly developing cures for diseases. It could be spent exploring and discovering new intelligence.
The question one has to ask is what will you bring with you when you leave this earth? What would you be proud of?
Personally, I will be disgusted if I look back on my life only to discover I spent countless hours scrolling. The fear of missing out is very real; using your phone is not the solution.
Perhaps the best way forward is to avoid the mistakes so many of us inadvertently make when staring at our phones. Let’s live in the moment together.
