Filing for digital divorce
Iam about to make a confession. My phone and I are in an estranged relationship. Coming to think of it, my phone and I never really warmed up to each other. And now we have come to a point where I believe we like our space – its being the cosy pocket in my bag where it hibernates for most part of the day, surfacing either for a refuel or for a rare message to people in the know. These people in the know – family, friends and colleagues – too are aware of this relationship, rather the lack of it. They call the husband when they want to get in touch with me. Some of them did grumble initially and wondered why do I even own a phone but over the years have now accepted the fact that I’m either too old or too set in my ways to change. And I have not changed.
Looking back, it was never the phone’s fault. It’s the best there is. It’s sleek, it’s smart and is loaded with features that would have any other person gushing with joy. The problem lies with me. I never really got attracted to it or to most of its uses.
I’d like to believe I had JOMO (Joy of missing out) even before the term was coined. I’m barely on social media and have never understood FarmVille or Candy Crush (remember those digital games from your previous lives?). And according to the same people in the know, I need to enrol myself for classes on how to take selfies.
I might have many talents, being able to make smart use of a smartphone is definitely not one of them.
While I have always felt guilty about being the inconsiderate and insensitive one in this relationship – the raison d’être behind its failure – I no longer think so. After reading Colin Drury’s article on how to cure your digital addiction on page 20, which elaborates on how excessive use of the phone can cause damage to our mind and body, that shroud of guilt has finally lifted.
With a relieved heart, I would like to take this opportunity to admit to the world that my phone and I have now ‘consciously uncoupled’. That’s my official stand. Those in the know, know where and how to find me.
I might have many talents, being able to make smart use of a smartphone is definitely not one of them