Too Addicted?

Cell phones have become an unavoidable part of modern life for many people, but their presence in so many places can lead to situations in which users are inconsiderate of others (Kayne). Which is why many people need to look for guidance. This may be shocking for some, but some people need to have common sense and courtesy for polite cell phone use. Respecting public and personal space, maintaing privacy, and not disturbing others are some general principles a person should keep in mind when using a cellphone (Kayne).

Cellphone etiquette mostly comes into action in public places. Where one disruptive call can interrupt a small family eating dinner nearby. Many people find it rude when someone takes a cell phone call on a date or during a social event with others. Along the same lines, it’s usually rude and inconsiderate to text in front of a person who is having a conversation with you. When in a small group or one-on-one situation, it’s best for someone receiving the call to not pick up unless it’s an emergency. Although cars are usually considered private spaces, talking or texting while driving is not a very good idea. It is known that if a teenager is texting a driving it is more hazardous than a drunk driver driving down the road. Our minds cannot tolerate being constantly reminded of things which interfere with what we are doing at the moment (Nouwen). Even when a driver does not have to physically hold the phone, however, studies suggest that drivers who talk while they drive tend to focus less on the road and other cars and more on the conversation (Kayne).

Today mobile phones are more and more an essential item that we carry with us everywhere. In many ways these facilitate our relationships by making us able to contact those who we would not otherwise be able to for conversations face to face. At the same time, however, such technology can be enslaving and can lead to a lack of human contact. So do mobile devices really improve our relationships or damage them? Studies have been shown that the state of mobile phone use has been too much in these recent years (Kayne). They believe that as technology has gotten to the point where thoughts and feelings are shared through phones and other technology sources. Recently, I have found myself peering over at dinner tables or waiting areas while being out to eat and seeing multiple people interacting with nothing but their phones. They weren’t engaged in conversation with each other, but with the small devices in their hands.

Forms of communication have changed our world completely. But being a Christian, I have discovered what God has wanted us to do. To be a follower of Christ it means to relate to each other with the mind of Christ; that is, to relate to each other as Christ did to us. No matter how hard it may be, I believe that God is urging us to try our best to form new relationships in a way that seeks his Kingdom. Before someone pulls out their phone in front of you, make a point of what they are doing is a mistake. God is telling us to put away our technology devices and start forming strong, healthy relationships through our communicative and relational skills.