Obviously nobody is checking their phone while they are swimming in the ocean. But otherwise I disagree. Looking at a phone has become a natural compulsion for people at any sign of discomfort or pause. Waiting to cross street? Check phone. Standing in line? Check phone. Sitting on park bench? Phone. People do it to soothe themselves and to Check out of the world around them. It's so sad. Looking for connection and validation in this digital brick instead of looking up and smiling or saying hi to the stranger next to you
That line alone reframed so much for me. I’ve noticed the same pattern in my life — the scrolling only swells when my soul goes silent. When I’m lit up by real connection, art, movement, or just walking under a bruised sunset sky, the phone vanishes like a ghost.
I loved this read so much. Thank you. Yes we all know phones are addictive by nature, we are all hooked on the dopamine. But it’s that craving to fill a void in a moment I feel empty that I reach for my phone. Underneath the addiction is my unmet longing to feel more alive in the ordinary of my day. Thank you for that realisation 🤍
This post couldn’t be more timely… last week I had a beautiful day out with my 4 year old, with minimal photos to show for it because my phone was away most of the time.
However today, being at home with her, feels the opposite. It felt hollow, a nothingness almost. I wasn’t present and was constantly looking for a distraction or so lost in thought, my phone was the only thing I could think to do instead, mindlessly. I kept checking my phone to the point of sheer frustration with myself because I just couldn’t seem to stop.
Your words are so true; some days, when I find myself caught in the monotony of mothering, it can be a struggle to feel fulfilled. It almost doesn’t feel meaningful (although I know it is) so I get pulled away from real life. So I need to find something in these moments to spark up my soul and make me feel more alive!
This has shed a lot of light on this for me, thank you Sara
I believe it’s the constant stimulation that is really problematic. Go swim in the ocean if you can, but it’s not just a fulfillment issue. The phones ARE a problem.
"It’s not just about your phone. It’s about your hunger for meaning."
So true! I would never look at a notification on a hike!
“presence is the ultimate antidote to distraction.”
this is so true… your mind is merely focused on the present moment and everything else fades in the background.
Thank you so much for this!♥️
Obviously nobody is checking their phone while they are swimming in the ocean. But otherwise I disagree. Looking at a phone has become a natural compulsion for people at any sign of discomfort or pause. Waiting to cross street? Check phone. Standing in line? Check phone. Sitting on park bench? Phone. People do it to soothe themselves and to Check out of the world around them. It's so sad. Looking for connection and validation in this digital brick instead of looking up and smiling or saying hi to the stranger next to you
To learn to be ok with being uncomfortable is a real skill.
Love this. I'll definitely be referencing this in my digital minimalism posts.
So much YES. And also, anxiety, stress & mental health are big biological drivers of our phone compulsions.
That line alone reframed so much for me. I’ve noticed the same pattern in my life — the scrolling only swells when my soul goes silent. When I’m lit up by real connection, art, movement, or just walking under a bruised sunset sky, the phone vanishes like a ghost.
I like to go on walks without my phone each day, it’s
so freeing! I love everything you brought to attention in this stack
I loved this read so much. Thank you. Yes we all know phones are addictive by nature, we are all hooked on the dopamine. But it’s that craving to fill a void in a moment I feel empty that I reach for my phone. Underneath the addiction is my unmet longing to feel more alive in the ordinary of my day. Thank you for that realisation 🤍
This post couldn’t be more timely… last week I had a beautiful day out with my 4 year old, with minimal photos to show for it because my phone was away most of the time.
However today, being at home with her, feels the opposite. It felt hollow, a nothingness almost. I wasn’t present and was constantly looking for a distraction or so lost in thought, my phone was the only thing I could think to do instead, mindlessly. I kept checking my phone to the point of sheer frustration with myself because I just couldn’t seem to stop.
Your words are so true; some days, when I find myself caught in the monotony of mothering, it can be a struggle to feel fulfilled. It almost doesn’t feel meaningful (although I know it is) so I get pulled away from real life. So I need to find something in these moments to spark up my soul and make me feel more alive!
This has shed a lot of light on this for me, thank you Sara
This idea reminds me of the ‘rat park’ experiment.
I believe it’s the constant stimulation that is really problematic. Go swim in the ocean if you can, but it’s not just a fulfillment issue. The phones ARE a problem.