Recently, as I was having dinner with a friend, he told me about how he accidently jumped into a pool with his cell phone in his pocket. He didn’t instantly know that it was submerged, which helped solidify the utter undoing of his device.
I thought about the mindset I would have if I didn’t have a cell phone—even if just for an extended period of time—and I have to admit, I liked the possibility. Unlike today’s younger generations, I’ve only had access to a cell phone since I was 18. At this point, though, having my cell phone on my nightstand or desk is as natural as having my wallet with me.
I would begin to remember phone numbers again. I probably only know four phone numbers off the top of my head—that’s including my own.
|
I started thinking about all the clutter I could remove from my life if I didn’t have a cell phone. First, from a physical perspective, I wouldn’t have to carry around this dense, square object in my pocket. It wouldn’t be imperative that I constantly wonder how much battery life it had left. I would also stop worrying if I’m developing some type of cancer by resting it on my ear.
My eyes would stop hurting from squinting at a small screen with even smaller lettering. My thumbs wouldn’t cramp up from trying to text something that would be better conveyed by talking.
I would start utilizing a camera to take pictures, the way it was intended. This would, in turn, lead me to begin developing pictures again as I did when I was younger. I haven’t framed a picture in years. I can directly attribute this change to utilizing my cell phone’s camera. I bet Walgreens hates cell phones.
Instead of using Google for instantaneous fact-checking, we could now let a friendly tall-tale last a bit longer. The days of challenging each other’s stories and laughing at the improbability would continue the way it should. A little exaggeration never hurt one’s imagination and not everything needs to be looked up at that exact moment.
I would begin to remember phone numbers again. I probably only know four phone numbers off the top of my head—that’s including my own. When I was 16, I could have rattled off at least 20 numbers. Your options were the phone book or to memorize. The constant memorization helped my brain stay active and sharp. If you aren’t my wife, parents, or work, there’s a probable chance that I have no idea what your phone number is.
Until that day comes, I’ll daydream about not having to be tied to an electronic device.
|
I could do something useful instead of looking at time-draining cellphone apps. I could stop trying to beat my solitaire high score and finish that book I began. Since I wouldn’t be trying to figure out how to stream live weather on my phone, I could easily go outside and breathe in the real thing.
I say all of this with a wink and nod at how cell phones have transformed our lives. They’ve tremendously shaped our actions and will continue to play larger roles in the years to come. Your cell phone can now pay your bills for you at retail stores and even lock your doors. I wouldn’t be surprised if, down the road, it starts your car engine, and genuinely reads your mind.
Until that day comes, I’ll daydream about not having to be tied to an electronic device. The times when emails could wait and a voicemail would suffice are reminders of yesterday. If I ever “accidently” jump into a pool with my phone, don’t weep for me, I’ll be just fine.
Originally published in the State-Journal
Photo: GettyImages