Contentment Part 5
It is safe to say that many of us are addicted to our phones, whether we like to admit it or not. A new study from OntarioCasinos.com revealed that the average Canadian spends approximately 70.46 days annually on mobile apps. If they continue using mobile devices for 75 years, this equates to 14.46 years of their life. Let that sink in, 14.46 years of our lives will be spent on our mobile devices. It is said that it usually takes 10-14 years to become a doctor in Canada. Imagine the things that could be accomplished if we were to invest this time in other things.
The mobile phone usage continues to grow, with a 76.56% increase since 2019. Canadians spent an average of six hours and 18 minutes daily using the internet on devices by the end of 2024. Mobile phone screen time has increased year over year, from 3.2 hours in 2019 to 5.65 hours in 2023.
Canadians spend a significant amount of time on mobile devices for social media (42%), email (40%), and instant messaging (49%). On average, Canadians spend four hours and 38 minutes daily on mobile apps. 75% of Canadians are active on social media sites, with Facebook (48.96%), Pinterest (20.63%), Twitter/X (14.29%), and Instagram (11.61%) being the most popular platforms.
There is growing evidence that excessive phone use can lead to a range of negative consequences, including mental and physical health issues, relationship problems, and reduced productivity. Here are some known issues listed on the internet.
Mental Health Issues: Studies show a correlation between excessive phone use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. The constant notifications and fear of missing out (FOMO) can contribute to these issues.
Physical Health Issues: Prolonged screen time can lead to eye strain, neck pain, back pain, and even weight gain. Poor sleep quality, often caused by using phones before bed, is also a common consequence.
Social and Relationship Problems: Excessive phone use can lead to social isolation, as individuals may prioritize their phones over face-to-face interactions with others. This can strain relationships and impact social development.
Reduced Productivity: Excessive phone use can impact both academic and work performance, as it can distract from tasks and lead to reduced focus.
Impaired Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that excessive smartphone use may be linked to difficulties in cognitive-emotion regulation, impulsivity, and impaired cognitive function.
Other Potential Issues: Excessive phone use can also contribute to issues like insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and increased risk of accidents, such as while driving.
These are probably things we already know or have heard about and maybe don’t want to hear. But excessive phone use can lead to feelings of discontentment.
Here are some of the reasons:
Social Comparison: Constant exposure to curated social media feeds can lead to feelings of inadequacy as individuals compare their lives to what appears to be the "perfect" lives of others.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The constant stream of updates and notifications can create a sense of urgency and anxiety about missing out on important events or information.
Disconnection from Real-World Interactions: Overuse of phones can interfere with quality time with friends and family, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Cognitive Impact: Excessive phone use can also affect attention spans and focus, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks and learning.
Increased Stress: Stress can exacerbate problematic phone use, creating a cycle where stress leads to phone use as a coping mechanism, which in turn can worsen anxiety and feelings of discontentment.
So, what can we do? Sometimes the simplest answer is the hardest choice.
Put the phone down - Go for a walk without your phone. Enjoy God’s creation.
Prioritize face-to-face fellowship - When with friends and family, put the phone away.
Try analog - read a physical book (especially the Bible) so you don’t get so distracted.
Here are some suggested readings:
Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age by Brett McCraken
Chasing Contentment: Trusting God in a Discontented Age by Erik Raymond
Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel D. James
Blessings,
Pastor Kyu