Nearly everywhere on campus, I’ve seen a tragic trend: heads down, conversations kept to a minimum, earphones in. Students are connected yet disconnected.
Students and adults alike seem to miss out on events happening around them because they are constantly on their mobile phones, which have become an indispensable means of security for most people.
a 2022 Survey A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that in educational settings, particularly on college campuses, the use of mobile devices leads to more isolation than connectivity.
This is an unfortunate issue that is all too often ignored, but you know who else is being ignored?
That’s what humans do. Every day.
I’m talking about the blatant disregard for social etiquette shown by people who are so engrossed in their own virtual playgrounds rather than paying attention to the person in front of them.
“The devices and apps we use are designed to grab your attention, whether you want it or not,” he said. Professor of Psychology at USF “These behaviors cause people to focus on what’s going on on their phone, rather than paying attention to what’s going on around them,” a doctor who specializes in technology addiction and distracted driving told The Oracle in an interview.
This reminded me of a new word I learned recently while editing a friend’s psychology paper: phubbing.
Phubbing is a contraction of “phone” and “snubbing.” Defined Ignoring the person you’re with and focusing your attention on your phone instead.
This practice is becoming more and more prevalent as generations gain access to technological devices, which Health PerspectiveBut that’s just plain rude.
how you How would you feel if someone ignored their phone while you were talking?
Every day at USF and the surrounding area, I see people in restaurants, parks, and cars. From casual observation, they all have one thing in common: They have their phones in their hands and seem unaware of the world around them.
The cafeteria, which is supposed to be a place for students to gather and socialize, is completely devoid of conversation; instead, the ambient sound of clinking dishes echoes throughout the room.
In the beautiful outdoor spots on campus, conversations are barely audible. The silence is overwhelming. Few smile or wave. Most people are too engrossed in what is happening on their devices to see or hear the outside world.
From earphones and headphones to laptops spread out on tables, there’s a constant interest in technology.
It seems as though people cannot live without their devices as they repeatedly stare at screens instead of interacting with others in face-to-face environments.
“The human brain isn’t designed to do that,” Atcheley said. “Humans are designed to be social. So while social media is very effective at reaching people, it’s not social in the sense that it connects us.”
Feel free to isolate yourself when you’re alone to focus on your studies, but when you’re with others, make an effort to engage.
Related: USF students, add headphones to your back-to-school prep list
It’s disgusting to see humanity slowly turning into robots. The saddest thing is, Our own actions.
Whether we realize it or not, we humans Alienate yourself And as we continue to succumb to the allure of modern technology, our social skills become less sociable.
“You may seem connected, but you’re not connected to the things, people, nature and the world around you, and this has really negative effects on your health, safety and mental wellbeing,” Atchley said. “Mobile phones are designed to keep your attention on them at all times, and that comes at a cost.”
Related: Why I Prioritize Slow Mornings—and Why You Should, Too
Perhaps the power of addiction is too strong, but there may still be time to eradicate the patterns of a generation of iPad kids once and for all.
We all need to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the authenticity and vibrancy of living in the moment with our non-virtual friends.
Don’t isolate yourself.
Connecting.
