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@celia16 Brooks is an opinion writer at the Times that I have respect for but why this piece where he is telling us that to have time to find meaning we need to get rid of the constant itch to look at our phones? Is not backwards -- that to find meaning , which is the Most important part of our lives, one need to carve out time first and foremost?
Yes we as a society -- especially the younger ones -- we spend too much time time on phones. But the reason for this is that our lives are so lacking of anything more interesting than the possibility of Anything on the phone. In other words, our lives are Already devoid of what we Want to do with our lives. It is This life-condition that makes us prey to seeking fleeting escape from the uninteresting lives we are living.
The solution to stay out of our phones is therefore Not to keep off the phones but to Make our lives More Interesting WITHOUT phones. And that requires making use of our innate qualities such as letting our curiosity and playfulness be our guiding aids to steer our lives.
Be open to the life first with curiosity, Socially engaging friendships, playful pursuits, and wonder and need for phone-twitch will die on its own. what do u say?
Replies to "@celia16 Brooks is an opinion writer at the Times that I have respect for but why..."
@sisyphus
Could not agree with you more. I think one stays on a computer or cell phone because it is EASY.
Also because online time delays having to do anything physical or productive or new; complete projects, chore lists; to do lists aka "work" which takes energy.
I think phone addiction is real and caused by A) the need for social connection, B) a strong nosiness for knowing what is going on, and C) Avoidance of physical energy expenditure (work).
@sisyphus
The stay off phones statement is too simplistic. I remember the excitement as a kid when I learned to use a phone and could call my friends. Phones have been a means of communication with friends and family ever since then. The transition from corded home phones to cellular wireless phones has not changed the fact that phones are still an easy means of daily communication. Our phones today not only serve as communication tools, but also have replaced the printed newspaper, the sales circular, the wall calendar with written notes and a research avenue for purchases, medical charts and the various tasks that were much harder to accomplish before. Our phones are tools and as long as we use them as tools and not toys, why should we stop using them? I still miss being able to call and speak with my mom even though she's been gone for five years. I'm 73 years old and I unashamedly use my phone for many things that enhance my day by making tasks easier.
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@sisyphus “What do u say?” Humans have always been motivated by seeking challenges, Westward Ho! As you say, what is offered on the phone can be interesting, and I think provide the challenges lacking in everyday life. Challenges of trying/sharing new things, finding things, and mastering the social media game, to name a few.
What does it take, though, to set aside an interesting pursuit for another that must be developed?
Actually, I think we’re about to find out. We’re headed towards having more time on our hands as AI takes over job tasks. Probably shorter work day. With less discretionary income, the focus will shift away from accumulating things (I hope). We will need to turn to the humanistic pursuits to fill time, and find happiness.
The change, no doubt, will be a struggle on all levels.
As for the speed of passing time? Time seems to leap forward when changes are happening.