-Isms: Views on life in rural America

While scrolling through my phone, I happened upon an article that caught my interest. The title: “20 Things to Do Instead of Scrolling Through Your Phone.”

Ironic, right?

Truth be told, I have been making a conscious effort to cut back on screen time. It’s tough, at times, because a large portion of work for the paper can be accomplished via phone.

The article’s author, Aleid ter Weel, asserts the majority of Americans spend one full waking month of every year on their phones. That’s 31 days. Wasted. I’m thinking of everything that could be accomplished if I weren’t watching TikTok videos. Yikes!

It is possible to start new habits, leading to less phone use. Bottom line: It takes time.

She doesn’t say you have to completely give up texting or hopping on an app, but being mindful of how you use technology is the first step to cutting back. One suggestion is to start by tucking phones away during mealtime. Another tip is to engage in more face-to-face conversations. Studies show that relationships that rely on text and email messages weaken over time. Besides, you can’t always decipher tone of voice when a message pops up on screen.

Now, some of the suggested habits seem like common sense. Like, do not take your phone into the bathroom. Guess I’m in trouble ... I lay it on the vanity every morning and listen to a podcast while getting ready for work. Maybe I need to rethink that since studies show a smartphone may be filthier than a toilet seat. Yuck.

One of the best habits offered in the piece is to take stock of what you’re trying to avoid. Sure, perusing Instagram can be fun, especially if you follow people with a wide range of interests. But, I also admit scrolling through IG is a mindless task that prolongs procrastination, or, at the least, let’s me think through article ideas.

Now, if I can break my late-night Netflix binge-watching habit, imagine everything I will accomplish. Look out, world!