By Nikeish Smith @nik3ish
Community Manager
The world is in shambles, plagued by a zombie outbreak, only the vigilant and non-addicts will survive. No, I will not be talking about the fictional undead but the mobile zombies who are plaguing the world with their obsession/addiction to their smartphones and/or tablets.
Image by London-based illustrator and animator Steve Cutts.
It is said that 1 in every 5 person owns a smartphone. Do you agree? Nope, 6 in every 5 persons got a cellphone. Some persons have become so attached to their phones that it would appears to be an extension of themselves— somewhat like a 3rd nipple wrongly placed but quite interesting to see. They are so caught up in what’s going on worldwide web that they forget to be aware and/or enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.
Technology’s popularity seems innocuous at first but now it’s evolving to more of an obsession. A 15min walk to the bus stop becomes a 15min window to check the latest snap filters, see what the besties are up to and where bae checked in last. Though a couple of scrolls through Facebook and Instagram while waiting on a bus appears harmless, but we miss the little off-screen moments that make life better— a child’s genuine laugh without a filter or voice modulator. Yah, life existed without filters many years ago. Additionally with the upsurge of filters it only proves that most of you guys look better as farm animals than actual people… But that’s another convo…. Moving on.
The scary discovery is that we’re only getting more hooked. Over the years, smartphone usage increased exponentially and individual’s reliance on these smart device has evolved drastically too. I asked a couple of my friends few days ago, “What would you do if you couldn’t use your cellphone for 2 days?” and all of them grinned and said “Use a laptop or my tablet— duh!” Sounds like my friends have what is called nomophobia, which stands for ‘no mobile phobia’. LOL! Or better yet excessive appetite for technology— y’all need a diet.
These touchscreen devices are making us lose touch of things going around us in the moment. Though the internet and Social Media apps are said to be created for persons to stay connected but the connection isn’t getting better. We miss the opportunity to meet a new friend, talk to a co-worker, talk to an old friend, etc.— all because our faces are hanging down locked to our screens. I guess ignoring people and our surroundings for phone screens is the new normal.
Are you a Mobile Zombie or a vigilant non-addict?
I try my best to be a mobile zombie (Undercover… SHHH, Top Secret!) especially in a public environment. I stay woke and vigilant— ALWAYS! ✌😉
