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AIBU?

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Original poster

How do we get people off their phones?

30 replies

PurpleWalls · 31/05/2023 11:51

It's driving me crazy at the moment. Nobody is having conversations anymore or even making eye contact. Will life always be like this from now on?

I went to a party the other day, all the kids were sat on a wall on their phones.

I went to school pick up yesterday, all the adults were on their phones, didn't even look up or say hi.

I am guilty of it too sometimes, it feels like an addiction, it is an addiction. I feel angry at myself for wasting away life looking at my phone.

Will people look back on these years and think that we were stupid or is this the new normal?

I really hope that something happens to stop this way of life. Or maybe we need to be the change?

Does it worry you or AIBU?

OP posts:
Stayinthecakebox · 31/05/2023 12:02

I love it , it makes socialising possible for me . I can do it when I want and how I want. I don’t have to worry about eye contact or my selective mutism (I have ASD as well) so many other reasons. I feel like it’s opened the world up for me and I’d never give up my phone .

Letsallthinkofaname · 31/05/2023 12:01

It took me realising I was incredibly lonely before I gave up my social media accounts and I've not looked back. Absolutely the best thing I ever did

I think until we get to the point where everyone has the same level of introspection and realisation their poor mental health is almost directly linked to their consumption of digital media no one will give it up.

CharlotteRumpling · 31/05/2023 12:00

I am old enough to remember time before the Internet even. So I can see how different my DDs childhood is to mine. And the pressures.

KeepSmiling89 · 31/05/2023 11:59

I agree...I know I've got a phone addiction. I get FOMO and anxiety when I don't have my phone on me.
I sit down to watch something on TV and automatically get my phone out to play Tetris at the same time.
I've read and am currently re-reading the book "How to Break Up with Your Phone" on my new Kindle to actively curb my phone addiction.
At the same time, I want to be more mindful about what I do with my phone. Such as actually messaging or calling someone, doing online banking, doing online shopping, e-mails, taking photos (I'm constantly taking photos and videos of my DD). Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or whatever.

CharlotteRumpling · 31/05/2023 11:58

It upsets me. I find most friendships these days are lived out on social media. I often just want to look into someone's eyes or get a hug in person.

It's doing strange things to our brains. The number of MNers who never open their doors is proof..