Technology, in particular mobile phones, has become an integral part of all of our lives! We seem completely reliant on our phones no matter where we are or what we are doing. I recently viewed a program that highlighted the dependence society has on this area of technology.  It stated that society as a whole has adopted mobile phone technology quicker than any other technology device in history. It is amazing that Australia has a population of approximately 25 million, with over 30 million mobile phones in use. Not only this, but it has been recently reported that in 2014, the number of active mobile phones in use is expected to surpass the global population and flexible phones are becoming more addictive than any other technology device!! Additionally, a study conducted by Nokia, stated that we have become so accustomed to mobile phones that we check them 150 times a day. These figures prompted me to think about how our lives are so dependent and on our mobile phones.

It was 1997, I had just got my driver’s licence, and for safety reasons (incase I was to break down) I secured myself my very first mobile phone. A ‘Nokia 9180’, as big and as heavy as a brick, with only the ability to make and receive calls. Year’s later upgrades allowed me to play ‘snake’ and then see everything in colour (which at the time was the coolest thing)! It is incredible that children as young as 10 years own mobiles and have the ability to stay connected to hundreds via social media and have a greater capacity to use a phone than I probably ever will!

In the past 17 years, owning a phone has changed the way we do things and our lives have changed significantly as a result. It could easily be concluded that the method we adopt to undertake daily tasks and activities has been dictated by the functionally of one’s mobile phone. People these days are empowered to be mobile savvy and stay connected! We can now send/receive emails anywhere, easily stay connected with those close and afar, listen to music, take photos, play games, manage calendars and the list goes on and on.

I’m the first to admit that on the rare occasion that I leave the house without my phone, I feel completely lost. These rare moments makes me reflect and appreciate the ‘simple things’. It seems the more accessible we all are, the more we work and the harder it is to find the balance. For most of us, we work 40hours a week but don’t consider the hours spent on your phone in addition to this. For those who aren’t connected to work through your phone, consider the time you lose through social media, games, videos, internet etc. According to a study and article published in the Dailymail, the secret to happiness lies in turning off your mobile phone and concentrating on your friends and family rather than text message and emails.

Make-a-wish foundation have launched a new campaign “switch off a mobile & switch on a wish”. The challenge is to switch off your mobile for as long as you can during the month of March and ask your friends and family to support you. Money raised will help make life changing wishes come true.  The challenge is set even though a recent times magazine poll, consisting of 5 thousand people in 8 countries, revealed that 84% of people surveyed could not go for a day without their phone. Its causes like this, it makes me realise there are more important things to like then the ease and accessibility of your mobile phone.

Written by Linda Lewin