I had a smartphone.

Before I got it, I was disgusted by the way people lived on their phones, never paying attention to the world around them. I said to myself, I’ll never fall into that trap!

But I did. The temptation was too great when I went to upgrade my current phone, which was no longer working properly. The only cell phone model similar to mine was almost $200 and not eligible for any sort of discount, even when a new contract. So I set my sights on a smart phone, which I could get for $50 with a new contract. Ok, I said to myself, I’ll get it, But I’ll only use it for texting and making calls.

Of course, that didn’t last. I started downloading apps and games. Before I knew it, I was like everyone else. In a silent moment I would whip out my phone to play a game, or check facebook, or do this or that. I realized what was happening but I couldn’t stop. I would lie in bed at night while my husband slept, playing on the phone. I’ve always had trouble sleeping and it was an easy way to spend the time until I began to get tired.

Then, my sweet little cat knocked a glass of soda over onto the phone. It stopped working, and I haven’t had the money to replace it or have it repaired. So I had to downgrade to my mom’s old phone, a flip-phone with no touch screen, no games, just the basic functions. Talking and texting.

I feel free. I can partake in conversations, enjoy the scenery, watch what’s happening around me without the distraction of constantly being plugged in.

But the itch is still there. I still miss my smart phone and find myself longing for a new one.

I think we have a real problem with this. The ease of access to the internet and constant technology/entertainment is dumbing us down and ruining our perception of the world.

Anyway, just my random thoughts. I saw a few teenagers walking down the street and all of them had their noses in their phones. It just made me sad.