Low Battery—10% Battery Remaining.
Did you know that it’s likely that up to 61% of people check their phones within five minutes of waking up? In a global study done by Deloitte focused on mobile consumer behaviour in 2020, they found that this is a habit of our current day and age. Within the first 30 minutes of waking up, 88% of those in the study checked their phones in the first half hour. It’s scary to think how often we’re glued to our phones. Me included.
I’ve recently finished a book called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, and I was quite challenged by the reality of how often we turn to our phones for everything. We use it as an alarm clock, entertainment, research, calendar, and the list goes on. It’s easy to dismiss this kind of research because it may feel like I’m saying that millennials need to get off their phones. The truth is, almost all generations struggle with this.
I’ve found that often, there’s an itch that bubbles up inside me when I see my phone. If I haven’t checked it after some time, there’s a rush I feel that makes me want to check any missed emails or messages. Or if my phone is in my pocket, I experience “phantom” notification vibrations where my brain thinks I just received a message when there’s nothing there. Do you know that feeling?
What’s been more convicting is realizing that we often multitask with our phones on us. Washing the dishes. We’re watching YouTube videos. Brushing your teeth. We’re checking Instagram. Waiting in line at Starbucks. We’re scrolling through news articles.
I often can’t seem to put the thing down. You too? The reality is that phones are designed to be incredibly addictive. The colours, the animations, and the annoying red dot remind us of the many messages eager for our attention. Advertisers want you glued to your phone because how else will they get you to see the latest pre-sale condo event or something irrelevant?
I recently saw a little skit (ironically on Instagram) where some person had the caption that stated, “What if we replaced our phones with the Bible?” Can you imagine that? If 61% of us checked our Bibles as the first thing we did in the morning and read or listened to the Bible as we did our chores, our lives would be so enriched. The skit was cheesy, but it was convicting.
Here are a few things I’m trying to practice:
- I do not bring my phone to my bedroom. I don’t want it even close by because I find my heart eager to pick it up the moment I see it.
- I intentionally hide my phone in random places. My wife may think I’m the most forgetful, but Paula, if you’re reading this, I have a method to my madness. When I slip it between the couch, I stop thinking about it completely.
- I take advantage of the Do Not Disturb feature. Yes, emergencies may come. But often, they are far and few between, or they’re situations I cannot immediately solve.
- I’m trying my best to stay away from those short-form videos. Those reels on Instagram and Facebook are designed to get you trapped. Every video you watch locks you in, and the algorithm knows exactly what content will keep your attention.
Maybe this sounds a little intense for some, but I’m finding it brings me more joy. But what do I have to lose? The next time you get that low battery notification, maybe that’s a reminder to put the phone down and turn to God in prayer or His word. The world can wait as we learn to rest in Him.