Challenge Accepted!

Growing up in rural Australia, where internet and phone service were less than ideal, I didn’t see myself as overly dependent on my smartphone. I had only recently switched to an iPhone 6 after a year in America, and before that, I used a flip phone. Social media wasn't a significant part of my life, with only Twitter in my repertoire. Therefore, I assumed a 30-day break wouldn’t be too challenging. How wrong I was!

I powered down my phone and stashed it in my college mail slot, committing to a month without it. While I still had access to a computer for classes, it wasn’t an Apple device, so I wouldn’t receive iMessages. I was determined to fully embrace this challenge.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, a staggering 40% of young social media users aged 18 to 22 are addicted to these platforms. I was determined not to be one of them!

Overcoming Obstacles

You might envision immediate hurdles: feeling isolated, losing instant communication, or missing out on the convenience of a phone camera and GPS. Surprisingly, I didn’t dwell on these challenges. Instead, I approached the situation with a sense of adventure. Asking strangers for directions, planning outings without the backup of last-minute texts, and using my cumbersome Nikon to capture moments encouraged me to be more proactive and inventive.

Remarkable Discoveries

Initially, I didn’t anticipate that stepping away from my smartphone would yield significant benefits. I considered myself not addicted. However, during those thirty days, every face-to-face interaction felt revitalized. Freed from my device, I not only craved genuine conversations but also engaged in them with newfound enthusiasm. Without the distraction of my phone, I began to rebuild my social life. Friends reached out with purpose, and we connected without the barriers of screens or emojis. Dining out transformed into meaningful exchanges instead of scrolling through feeds.

Interestingly, this phone detox coincided with the due dates for term papers. Without my phone buzzing at all hours, I found my ability to concentrate improved dramatically. I was able to sit down and write without distractions, overcoming the procrastination that had once plagued me. I realized how much time I had wasted mindlessly texting or browsing.

Dr. Tracy Davis highlights in a Medium article that the average person spends over 3 hours a day on their smartphone. Imagine the additional time we could reclaim if we simply put our devices down! A 2020 study suggests that the average American will spend nearly nine years of their life glued to their phone.

After thirty days of this digital cleanse, the thought of returning to my smartphone felt like a regression. The clarity and connections I had developed were invaluable, and I wasn’t willing to trade them for convenience. I decided to part ways with my smartphone, both symbolically and literally. If I desired a richer life, I had to make bold choices. This challenge reminded me that while phones can be useful tools, they should enhance our lives rather than dictate them.

Today, I own an outdated basic phone that frequently glitches and requires constant charging. More often than not, I forget I even have it, but it’s there when necessary. I am grateful to my teacher for daring to challenge a room full of tech-savvy students, knowing that most would scoff at his warnings.

If you're seeking to carve out time for what truly matters, wish to cultivate deeper relationships, or simply want to test your limits, I wholeheartedly recommend trying a 30-day phone detox.