A blessing and a curse~

I have very mixed feelings about smartphones.

On the one hand, I love how certain things do become easier - such as being able to check public transport on the go, have things automatized - taking pictures even! 

The same time, I oftentimes feel like they end up creating even more work, more things to do, check, set and keep track of. And it pains me when I see everybody fiddling about with their phones on public transport.

Sometimes, it is just too tempting to get something done on the spot, even if it is something random like ordering a nifty cat toy online.

Today, my battery died a few seconds after leaving the house, so I got to have some involuntary phone-free time. To me personally, this it is not a big deal - but I know that for some people, being without a phone, even for the short span of a couple of hours, is already stressful.

Why is that? 

What are we missing out on?
Putting the one case where an urgent call is awaited aside (I mean how often does that really happen when a phone runs out of juice), why is the thought of being without one of those things so irritating?

My guess, is that most people don't know what to do with themselves if all of a sudden browsing through social media/internet or chatting is not an option anymore.
I notice it sometimes in conversations that, not long after there is a short moment of silence, somebody takes their phone out and starts checking notifications.

Staying so connected at all times, that we start living more in the virtual surroundings of others than actually pay attention to what is going on around us. 

I challenge you to keep track of how often you are reaching for your phone for a day or so.
And then assess how often it was actually necessary. 

When you learn to handle silence, you start to live in the moment.