Tied to the Phone

Watching old movies or digging through photographs that are beginning to lose their luster, I see something in common. In conversation, walking down the street, cruising the streets, or standing still for the camera, cigarette smoke fills the air. Resting in ashtrays, clutched between fingers, or hanging from lips, everyone seems to be participating in the same activity.

Watching current films or swiping through the photographs of today, I see something in common. In conversation, walking down the street, dangerously cruising the streets, or standing still for the camera, a cellphone is always in frame. Resting on a table, clutched tightly in someone’s hands, or distracting the masses, everyone seems to be participating in the same activity.

Our cellphones are the new cigarettes. Like cigarettes before public awareness campaigns and government intervention. We are only beginning to understand the ramifications of our collective addiction. Preliminary, we know depression is on the rise, suicidal ideation is increasing, and our quality of life seems to be lessening.

Knowing this, I wonder how future generations will judge our photos as we foolishly hold onto our real friends of a modern age.

Stepping back and checking myself, I wish I could break ties with my phone. I wish I could walk away from it without anxiety consuming my mind. But…