Confessions of a Smart Phone Junkie

The newest iPhone is out and I am sure you have seen the crazy long lines people are waiting in to get one.  Last week I talked about some changes I made in my social media use, so so I thought this might be a good time to talk about how to know if you are spending too much time looking at your smart phone.  So here are some of my thoughts and observations about this.

1.  Most or All of Your Down Time for Yourself is Spent on Your Phone.  You may be going to the bathroom, waiting in line, sitting in the airport, or just reclining in your favorite chair.  Whatever or wherever it is, you are on your phone checking your email, on Facebook, surfing the internet, checking your fantasy football team.

2.  Your Phone is the First Thing You Look at When you Wake Up and the Last Thing You Look at When You Go to Bed.  Not only are experts suggesting some negative health aspects to this habit, but you really need to allow your body and mind to wind down when you are ready for bed. And as a Christ follower, I would suggest that checking in with God to start your day is much more eternally significant than seeing who tweeted what over night.

3.  You Find Yourself Looking at Your Phone During Church (or other important occasions).  I know my sermons are not always the most riveting, but looking at your phone during worship of your Creator, really?

4.  You Check Your Phone at Red Lights.  At least the car isn't moving, but this is not a good sign.

5.  Even Worse, You Text or Check Your Phone While Driving.  Take from a guy who has been to many accidents with the Fire Department, you are asking for trouble.

6.  When the Plane is Ready to Take Off, You Get Anxious.  You start feeing anxiety not because you are afraid to fly, but you are afraid of what you'll miss while your phone is in airplane mode.

7.  You Consistently Have No New Items in Your Facebook Newsfeed.  If this is you, you are definitely checking Facebook way too much.

8.  You and Your Family are All on Your Smart Phones During Family Time.  Whether its at the dinner table, watching a show together, or some other time, there is more taking place on your phones than meaningful conversation with each other.

Believe it or not, there researchers have identified "cell phone addiction" as an actual diagnosis for some people.  I suggest that before you run out to the psychiatrist, you ask your family members, friends, and co-workers if they think you are on your smart phone too much.  If they say yes, then take some common sense steps by doing the opposite of these eight signs of trouble.

Blessings,
Dr. Paul