The Benefits and Sins of Modern Smart Phones
In today’s modern world, everyone is constantly on their smart phones. These devices are crucial for doing business, staying in contact with friends and family, and planning your day, week, month, and year. However, there comes a point for almost everyone, every day where the phone becomes a distraction and people become rude due to their narrow focus on technology. A key to being successful at work, at home, and in the classroom is dependent on knowing when to use the phone and when to put it away.
Rise and Shine
Many people today start their morning with their phones. The alarm feature they provide helps you ensure you are up and ready to start your day on time. In addition, your phone will also have your agenda for the day stored in it with important information about where and when to be somewhere. Even though your phone wakes you up, it is important not to dive right into its features. After you are awake and learn what time your first appointment is for the day, put it down. Spend the next few minutes with your family and have a quality breakfast. If you remove technology from your morning routine for a few minutes you will learn to appreciate what is important to you in the morning. Family is why you work so ensure you pay attention to them first thing and not just your phone.
A Point of Reference not a Teleprompter
A smart phone is a great tool to have in a meeting, whether you are presenting or taking notes. However, it is important you do not become dependent on it. While presenting, you must convey a message about your product and service. What type of message does it send if you must reference your phone constantly for information? Technology is useful to have as a backup if you lose your place or thought process during a presentation but it should not be your go to at the start. Also, when in a meeting do not spend too much time taking notes on your smart device. Doing so will take away from the overall message of the presenter and typically is seen as rude by many in the office. People deserve your attention and it is unfair to split your focus between a device and a person.
Lunch Time Entertainment
A phone or tablet is a great tool to have if you are working through lunch or eating alone for the day. It is a great way to catch up on the latest news, financial information, and sports scores. However, it is not needed if you having a lunch meeting or are simply having a lunch with your peers or clients. Sitting at a table with others reading your phone is rude and makes you look disinterested in your company. So know what type of lunch plans you have for the day and have a plan to use or put away the technology based on that plan accordingly.
In the Car
Nothing is more dangerous than being distracted when driving. Most cities and states now have laws preventing you from texting and driving and they are enforced. These laws do not exist to inconvenience you but exist for your safety and the safety of others. There are a growing number of fatal accidents due to smart phone usage when driving. Don’t assume you can do it without causing hazardous situations. Many people use their phones for entertainment when driving due to music and digital media capabilities. To make the most of this ensure you take the extra time to set up you playlist or desired podcast prior to taking the road. The extra minute sitting in your garage or parking lot creates a safer driving environment for you and everyone around you. Do not make the mistake of rushing and not getting situated prior to leaving.
In Class
Whether you are taking a night class to further your education, or you are monitoring your children in school one thing remains constant, phones can provide answers but using them teaches you nothing. Today many companies like Google can provide instant answers to questions, however, overusing these tools ensures you hamper your education. It is important to do things yourself while at school and using a phone to get instant answers does not teach you long term solutions. It is true a phone can help you solve a complicated math question but the point of education is learning to do things on your own without assistance. Phones provide an easy simple solution but in the long term you might be ruining the purpose of a lesson or class by referencing them. When in school put your phone away you will be better off doing so in the long run.
Phones continue to advance in technology and can be very helpful in helping you through your day. However, it is important to put them down at the right time. They should be used as a tool and not as a one stop device to solve all your problems. Phones are not going away so we must learn to be more responsible with them, it is to everyone’s advantage to do so.
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