Screenlocked

Our population is screenlocked. We have an obsession with staring at small screens.  We are so captivated by them that we barely can control this primal urge to stare at a screen whenever we have the chance.  As little as ten years ago people used to interact with others or looked where they were walking.  However, today there is a burning obsession with staring at a glowing screen.  It is something that I have fought to resist.

I will admit I was intrigued where I first heard of the iPhone.  I had an iPod and really enjoyed it.  I really enjoy listening to music and the idea of being able to use the internet while listening to my favorite songs on the go was a huge appeal to me.  However, when I saw the monthly cost of owning an iPhone, I said "no way."  Being frugally minded, the idea of signing up for a two year contract and pay $60-80 a month made no sense to me.  Actually, it sounded asinine.  I am not that fond of using the phone, and the idea of being connected every moment via a cell phone is truly harrowing to me.

I watched as people waited in line and obsessed over this product.  I could not help but feel somewhat turned off at the idea of people literally spending days in line for this thing.  What really made my stomach turn was watching it happen over and over again, year after year.  Every time a new iPhone is released a new line forms.  What really blows my mind is that people will stand in line for a new phone with barely any changes while they have last year's model in hand.  Many will let go of $300-400 just to be the first to have it.  And what's the point?

I must say, when I see this going on, my faith in humanity starts to fall a little.  I can somewhat understand people being excited about the first model, but when a model adds a few new features, is a tiny bit lighter, but otherwise is the same thing, I don't understand waiting in line.

Cellular phone addiction is huge among our population.

What really made me feel sick was the story about the young Chinese kid that traded his kidney for an iPhone and an iPad.  Last I read, this kid was unable to make it to court on allegations of illegal organ sales due to health issues.  Why would a person trade an internal organ, and their health, for something so silly?  While this seems extreme, I can't help but wonder how many people would do the same thing if they were offered.  What if he drops that thing and busts the screen?  What about when it starts to not work, or goes obsolete?  Will he even survive that long?  Why trade your life or health for a material good?  Are people forgetting that it is life, and not these things, that is important?

Actions speak louder than words, and I tend to believe that many people forget what is important.  I constantly see people ignoring each other in order to stare at a cell phone screen.  Whether it is on the bus or during class, people are obsessed with paying attention to what is written on a screen than paying attention to what is in front of them.  Whether it's to be (a)social through Facebook or to play Angry Birds, people are glued to cell phones.

Our society is screen obsessed.  Whether it's walking into a building and seeing a row of televisions playing the news, or to starting at a phone, people can't get enough.  Is this a healthy way to live?  Isn't it important to take quiet time without these things to reflect.  There is nothing wrong with owning these products, or even using them to sometimes pass the time, but when these things start to own you, there is a serious problem.

Will you be in line when the iPhone 6 comes out?  Share your thoughts in the comment field below.