The Hidden Reasons We Use Our Mobiles

Who’s really in Control? - Using and Abusing Technology

The hidden reasons we use our mobiles

Having just returned from a week’s stay at a health retreat where mobile phones were banned and computers were confined to your rooms, I became profoundly aware of the influence technology plays in one’s everyday life. I decided to leave my mobile at home, as I knew I would have difficulty resisting the temptation to use it.

Initially I found myself feeling the urge to send a text or check my phone, but this urge soon passed and what eventuated was a wonderful experience where I met interesting new people and enjoyed the art of conversation, without being interrupted by a mobile. This enabled the guests to be fully focused and present and the conversations were often candid and in-depth. I noticed that people were more open than maybe they would have been had they had their mobiles with them.

The time whizzed by and upon my return from a blissful week free of mobile phones, I was greeted by a neighbour who I have not seen for some time. We were deep in conversation when her mobile sounded. She immediately rummaged through her bag, retrieved the phone, answered it and gently bid me goodbye. This brought it home to me how as a society we are often ruled by our mobiles and more importantly our acceptance of the intrusion which they cause. We would never dream of bidding someone abruptly goodbye because we saw someone else we knew, but somehow we accept it without question when the phone rings.

I invite you to think about how you use your mobile phone on a daily basis. Also think about the time you spend idling texting or gossiping, when perhaps it could be better spent doing something else. Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for staying connected and strongly believe as a coach that social support is a fundamental aspect of our wellbeing, but just be aware of why you are using your mobile. Reflect on when you are most likely to use or overuse your mobile; is it when you are bored, stressed, frustrated, avoiding something or feeling low?

Next time you reach for your mobile, probe a little more deeply about your reasons for texting, talking to someone or playing a game. You may be surprised by the answers. If you find you use your mobile for far more than just communicating and it is maybe an avoidance mechanism, gently think of other things that may help you feel better about yourself. Do you phone others to bolster you when you feel a little down or want answers about yourself to comfort you? Calling people for reassurance occasionally is fine, but doing it on a all the time is most likely a sign that you need to trust yourself more.