By now, as a result of our personal experiences and observations, we have become addicted to technology. Of course, I’m not speaking on behalf of everybody, but certainly for a majority of new media users.
Consider yourself first. If you’re using social media throughout every day, own a smartphone, laptop, and possibly a tablet, then chances are you’re addicted. You probably find reasons to check your updates when in the middle of facing reality. I know I do. There’s the good old trick of pretending to check the time on your iPhone or Android when you really need an excuse to see if you have any new emails or @replies on Twitter.
Think we’ve all been there and done that. Truthfully, though, the only ones we’re fooling are ourselves.
While studying at university 2 years ago, one of my professors gave an assignment to read an article that presented an analogy between the habits of smoking, specifically from centuries past, and the habits of cell phone users. It was impressive and convincing. The worst part now is, I can’t remember where I left that article so I can’t offer the credentials properly. But what I remember most from it was that it was written before smartphones were a hit. The arguments made were based on the habits of cell phone users who could probably only send text messages. Yet it still made perfect sense.
It explained that as humans, we find comfort in our habits and the touch and feel of the objects we keep with us. And that in this century, many of us have replaced our comforts in cigarettes with our cell phones. When in the past, it was social and comforting to smoke and smoke with others, it’s now social and comforting to touch and play with our cell phones. Alone and with others.
The more technology improves, the more we can do on our smartphones. All forms of media are tailored to work on them and the ways in which we access them are increasingly easier. As this continues, I simply can’t help but think that the article I once had to read for homework is more true now than it was when written.
Cell phones of all kinds, but especially smartphones, are just like smoking. They are social, comforting and addicting.
