Would you ever consider having a brain chip implanted or some kind of technology permanently connected to your body?
Chances are, you probably would be reluctant.
In the grand scheme of technological advancement, it seems we're not quite there yet. Studies reveal that about two-thirds of Americans would shy away from the idea of permanently embedding a device in their bodies, even if it were promised to be done so with safety. Maybe someday we'll get there, but for now, it's a bridge too far for most consumers.
The interesting concept of attached or implanted technology is that in some sense, we're already tethered to technology and our devices in ways we would otherwise principally reject. Consider the average smartphone user who touches their device 2,617 times a day and has their phone within arm's reach nearly all the time. What is the difference between them and someone who has a chip implanted 24/7?
Consider your own habits for example. Are you able to access your phone without moving your legs when you are at work, in the car, in bed or spending times with friends and family?
Our phones have become accessible the vast majority of the time, becoming an extension of ourselves, shaping our lives and our identity. The byproduct of it may be silent, but it is incredibly damaging.
The invasive grip of modern-day technology goes beyond just the moments we actively use our phones. Such is the hostile nature of current technology, our phones are greatly affecting us in imperceptible ways, even when we are not using them. The manipulation and control they exert over society are so potent that their allure is almost irresistible.
In reality, we already know this. However, what appears to be a silent danger lies in the physical locations of where we keep and hold our phones, inflicting damage on a range of various aspects in our lives.
Take focus, for example. The introduction and adaptions of smartphones has unleashed an unparalleled era of distraction. Some studies show that humans now have shorter attention spans than goldfish, losing concentration after a just eight seconds. That figure has been steadily declining, suggesting that we have officially become the most distracted generation in history.
Where we position our phones plays a pivotal role in this downward spiral of human attention.
The mere presence of one’s own phone when trying to engage in focus or concentrated work is proven to reduce cognitive capacity, memory, and problem-solving capabilities. When a phone is present, our ability to perform at a desired or expected level is put under so much stress that it becomes nearly an impossible task to achieve.
At this juncture, it is important to remember that we are not referring to times when we physically access or use our phone. We are simply referring to when a phone is merely located on a desk, in a pocket, within a bag and sometimes even in another room.
Focus and attention is not the only way the physical location of our phones are inaudibly holding us to ransom. Our relationships and ability to connect are also being hijacked.
Research indicates that the mere presence of mobile technology interferes with human relationship formation and interpersonal connection. Studies reveal that having a mobile phone present during conversations inhibits the development of interpersonal closeness, trust, and reduces empathy and understanding. These inhibitions are amplified in discussions involving personally meaningful topics. The difference in the quality of conversations when a phone is present versus when it's absent is stark. Meaningful conversations essential to relationship development and preservation thrive without the intrusion of a phone, while its presence diminishes the depth and authenticity of the exchange, thus affecting the relationship in a greater sense.
This intrusion extends to relationships formed between strangers alike. Researchers found that when pairs of strangers were asked to have meaningful conversations, their ability to connect emotionally was significantly reduced if a mobile phone was present.
Why is this then?
It is because our phones represent something greater than a physical piece of plastic and glass. Our phones represent instant connectivity. When a device sits between you and the person you are conversing with, it reflects to that person that you are open and ready to the world inside your phone if the need arises. It shows to them that they are not the most important thing to you in that moment, whereby an incoming text message, email or call would take instant precedence over the current conversation.
Whether this is reality ultimately doesn’t matter, it’s the perception which kills communication.
As our focus and relationships grapple with the consequences of mobile phones, our sleep may be the one which suffers the most.
Using our phones before bed and having them in the bedroom has been shown to prolong the time it takes to fall asleep, resulting in shorter sleep duration and worse sleep efficiency. Our constant vigilance and paranoia associated with our phones have even given rise to a new phenomenon—people texting and scrolling whilst being fully or partially asleep.
The location of our phones also influences how we wake up in the morning. Starting the day by scrolling through social media forces our brain to jump from delta to beta waves, skipping the crucial alpha and theta brain wave process. These brain processes are vital for ideation, allowing us to tap into our subconscious and set the tone for our day, achieve our goals and maximise productivity. Skipping these processes creates a less stable and more anxious state of mind which is prone to unhappiness and unrest.
By now, I think you get the point.
The physical locations of our phones are a silent but potent byproduct of emerging technology that has engulfed most world. So, what can we do about it?
Becoming conscious of where we place or position our phones is a great starting point. The common rebuttal—that I "need" my phone because "what if someone needs to reach me"—might not hold as much water as we think.
Fortunately, most of us aren't the Prime Minister, demanding urgent and around-the-clock access. Finding a balance that works for you is the key. Sure, we need to be connected and there are both necessary and crucial times for this to occur. However, we need to assess this at what cost.
Is having your phone present at the dinner table whilst eating with your family to receive work notifications worth the impact it has on your relationships? Does having your phone next to your bed so you can check Instagram first thing in the morning outweigh a good night’s sleep? Does the phone sitting on your desk whilst studying or working to able to check a needless group chat talking about the weekend’s plans warrant the loss of productivity, focus and performance?
If you find it hard to focus, struggle in relationships, or have difficulty falling asleep, perhaps it's time to reassess the location of your devices and begin your journey to Ctrl Your Scroll.
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