Roman GłogulskiMore and more people are realizing that technology, especially smartphones, has played a huge role in our lives. While we can’t say that this is a negative phenomenon, we need to find a balance in using our phones. This year, I have decided to take care of my digital wellbeing and truly harness the potential that lies behind technology.
My biggest problem is browsing TikTok. Yes, I have learned a lot from this app and can connect with people I would have difficulty contacting otherwise. However, constantly indulging in entertainment leaves me feeling drained. I have gotten into the habit of browsing TikTok before bed, and before I know it, I spend hours on the app instead of sleeping.
The same thing happens in the morning. After waking up, I reach for my phone and start browsing TikTok because I know it will provide me with instant stimulation. But am I really gaining as much as I could by engaging in other activities? I feel like I could be doing something else, like stretching or reading a few pages of a book.
I am not alone in this problem. I have met other students who feel the same way. We are highly dependent on our phones. I believe younger teenagers also experience similar situations. But what’s worse is that as a society, we are losing the ability to establish real connections without the use of technology.
I sit at my desk, ready for the first day of the new semester. I take out my notebook, take a sip of water, and wait. I place my phone on the desk and resist the urge to pick it up. I look at the people around me, and almost everyone is engrossed in their phones. Why do I feel so strange just sitting and waiting? We used to do this before smartphones! We used to talk to strangers next to us! Imagine that! I know phones can help alleviate social anxieties, but I’m tired of avoiding normal situations using my phone.
It is also important to understand that taking care of our digital wellbeing can have various consequences. We can block our ex-partners on social media if they continue to cause us pain. We may witness hateful comments about someone we know and love, so we block that user. Some even choose to delete their entire social media accounts.
Taking care of our digital wellbeing can have different meanings for different people. Everyone should take a step back and examine their phone and internet usage, and then find something to work on. I believe that in the long run, we will all notice the benefits of reducing our dependence on technology.
My first step is setting a time limit for apps on my phone, specifically TikTok – a maximum of 1 hour per day. I stick to it! I have also stopped following certain brands and companies because I really don’t need to know when a new perfume will hit stores. I also use Snapchat much less frequently. Sometimes I post something to my story, but I no longer worry about maintaining so-called “heart” relationships, and I feel great about it.
I have also decided to put my phone aside when eating meals at home. This is especially difficult when I’m alone because my thoughts start to wander, and I invariably feel the need to search for something on the internet. It’s definitely easier when I’m in the company of a friend. I need to learn to appreciate food for what it is.
Technology brings many benefits, but it also has many negative consequences. That’s why this topic is so diverse in terms of opinions, and I don’t believe that there is one universal approach to taking care of our digital wellbeing.
I hope this article inspires you. I often felt embarrassed about my dependence on my phone, but I’m slowly improving and feel like I’m evolving. I miss the social connections we had without smartphones. I know my entire childhood was about being friends during breaks, but our grandparents didn’t have access to technology, just like our parents! We are a generation that had internet access from a young age, and I can’t wait to see what our children and grandchildren will have access to. That’s why I’m making an effort today, and you should too.
