We cannot discuss our relationships with our objects without mentioning the phone. The phone has evolved into an extension of the self. It is our most constant companion and the lens through which we view the world. Scrolling is the reflexive solution to all our problems. The phone has become a central relationship in our lives, connecting us to the vast, information highway that is the internet.
Perhaps the most intimate of any human-object relationship, the phone travels everywhere with us. It is essentially the modern-day, adult version of the security blanket. It learns our faces, captures our experiences, and connects us to the world all while memorizing our habits, tracking our behavior, and anticipating our needs. It is one of the few objects that feels nearly sentient. It knows all.
The phone is a dynamic object, constantly vying for our attention. It chirps, rings, and buzzes all day long, bursting with an endless array of alerts, updates, and notifications. It places an entire universe in the palm of our hand. With the touch of a button, we can consume anything or contact anyone. It is a source of instant pleasure and endless entertainment. Swiping, scrolling, and streaming are delightfully addictive activities.
While discernment is key when it comes to a healthy relationship with the phone, the reality is that without it, we would be lost. And with good reason—it helps us to navigate the world. While the car moves us through space, the phone orients us within it, enabling us to understand both where we are and where we would like to go. It’s a full-blown tool belt hidden in our back pocket. It houses our contacts, photos, and social media accounts right alongside our GPS, digital wallet, and clock.
The phone is deeply tied to our memory. Simultaneously functioning as both a digital keepsake box and a future vision board, it gives us the ability to travel through time. Through its extensive paper trail, the phone renders every digital interaction into a memory. Joyous and painful experiences are just a swipe away and minute details can be recalled at a moment’s notice if need be. On the other hand, bookmarks, pins, and screenshots capture our ideas, goals, and dreams for tomorrow. We can see what we want to try next and strategize how to get there.
While the phone truly puts the world at our fingertips, it is easy for the onslaught of information to spiral out of hand. Useless apps, junk messages, and random screenshots litter our home screens, inboxes, and camera rolls. The need to regularly delete, unsubscribe, and archive irrelevant information feels like a full-time job.
Our dependence on the phone renders it a potent mirror. A dead battery is stressful, suddenly rendering us unreachable and out of touch, signally the need to recharge our batteries. A shattered screen alters our perspective in an instant. When our storage is full, perhaps it is time to cut through the noise, unplug, and log off to give the brain some time to digest. Don’t worry, the phone will still be there when you return.
TO CONTEMPLATE:
Take an inventory of what you carrying around in your back pocket. Is there any excess digital baggage you can offload? Contacts? Photos?
What is your phone background? How does it make you feel? Why did you select that image?
What are your phone’s storage levels? Can anything be deleted or released to the ethers? Is there space for more? (A good rule of thumb is to have extra space in all closets—including the phone—as it signals capability and capacity. More on this soon!)
-MRD