I have a relationship with my smart phone which helps me, but I have a few rules to keep this relationship in check.
Countless times a day I reach into my pocket and pull out my iPhone. It serves as my calendar, calculator, web browser, email inbox, GPS, and my phone. At first, I met the introduction of smart phones with reluctance. I resisted the purchase for several years before caving to the cultural craze and purchasing my first iPhone.
While my phone is the one piece of technology I must have, I refuse to let it negatively impact relationships with other people. The activity on my phone can wait while I interact with other people. I follow these rules to keep my relationship in check.
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Our relationship got off to a slow start. I just did not understand why so many people were in love with this device, but it only took a few months to grow fond of my phone. I now consider it the one piece of technology I must have. Here are three reasons why.
One: Productivity. It has helped me increase my productivity. I use my phone to keep track of appointments, set reminders, check my email on the go, and stay connected with coworkers no matter where the day’s activities take me. It really serves as a mini office in my pocket.
Two: Accessibility. My iPhone provides a number of features helping me make accommodations for my visual impairment. The voice over feature unlocks all of the phone’s features. This enables me to send text messages, look up contacts, surf the web, and more with ease. I have also downloaded apps to help with orientation and mobility. Apps have also given me the ability to quickly scan and read printed material such as business documents and menus with ease. I have found my phone to be an asset for accessibility.
Three: Entertainment. My smart phone serves as a pocket size source of entertainment. It allows me to surf the web and check social media while waiting at a doctor’s office or for an appointment to arrive. It makes passing time much more enjoyable.
While my phone is the one piece of technology I must have, I refuse to let it negatively impact relationships with other people. The activity on my phone can wait while I interact with other people. I follow these rules to keep my relationship in check.
- I immediately put my phone away when someone starts a conversation with me.
- I ignore my phone if it goes off in the middle of a conversation.
- When enjoying a meal with my family, my phone must stay in my pocket.
I can see how keeping this relationship in check could be a struggle. Have you experienced this struggle? Do you have any advice to help others? Share in the comments below.
Photo by Matthew G
Also, add to this things like “no texting and driving”. I don’t even walk down a busy street, and *definitely* don’t cross an intersection while looking at my phone. Pokemon Go is right out of the question!
But if I get a “server on fire” alert (because I use my phone for work, constantly), and I just know it’s one of those “we’re losing a thousand dollars a minute” kind of emergencies, I’ll pull off, or walk out of the general flow of pedestrian traffic, while I check to see what’s going on.
Stay safe people!