Re-Evaluation of my Relationship with the Mobile Device

Video source via Simon Sinek

Although this video speaks about the millennials of today in the workplace, and talks about their social media addiction, I personally feel that the dependency on our electronic mobile devices also apply to many of us.

I often see families dining in a restaurant, with each member busy on their mobile devices, throughout the dining session. Even the toddler is kept distracted by the cartoon on his iPad! (Maybe it's now more trendy to communicate with each other through texting, even if the person is right beside you? I doubt that's the case!)

Similar scenarios can observed in trains, in lifts, in social environments, if you stop looking at your mobile device and actually take time to notice. Though I must admit that I am also guilty, for staring on my mobile phone's screen much too often than needed.

What's the point of spending time with the person physically next to you, for a meal, for coffee, or even for a meeting, when you are not mentally there? Isn't technology counter-productive when being excessively used?

Deep meaningful relationships can only be formed when attention is undivided from all parties in interaction. It is also this undivided attention, curious observation and awareness of the simple things around us that creates that daily miracle in our lives. 

So the next time when you have "time to kill", maybe attempt not to succumb to the temptation of using your mobile device, and "kill" the limited time you have on earth. Instead, use the time to look around and maybe even interact with that stranger beside you, and maybe new opportunities, ideas and relationships may pop-up in the unlikeliest of situations.