Technology is starting to rule the world in many different ways, being overly connected to your cell phone can be a definite distraction, a source of instant gratification and lead to mental health issues such as depression. Could it be possible that society is actually addicted to their smartphones? If not, why is it so hard to turn it off? 

At Wauwatosa West, the mass majority of the school population has some type of smart technology in their hands at all times; in the classroom or hallways nearly any time of the day. 

Jacob Burgardt is a senior at West and notices that many of his peers and other students around school dedicate their entire lives to technology and limit their social interaction. 

“ I could function without my cellphone because I don’t dedicate my entire life to it, I check my social media only once or twice a day because I don’t need to see individuals posting about how they “ miss summer “ or recycling hangout events with their friends,” says Senior Jacob Burgardt.

Wauwatosa West Senior Amirah Cornelius views cellphone management differently

“ I don’t manage my cellphone usage, I literally use my cellphone all the time. During class I get my work done but I have a constant urge to check my phone for a text message and even to see what’s new in the media,” says Amirah Cornelius.

Not everyone needs instant gratification or be overly connected to their cellphones for social media. Often times cell phones are used for educational or work purposes. 

“ My cell phone is normally always on me, I don’t really use social media like Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat like other teens that overly indulge but instead I read books or replay my favorite song a few times on Apple Music,” says Wauwatosa West Senior Tiffany Kincaid. 

Social media is usually the root of why many teenagers and even adults use their cellphones so much daily, everyone is trying to catch updates about what others are doing or the next thing trending out in the world. 

Fred Chambers is a parent of the Wauwatosa west community and says “ Social Media eats up more than 50% of people’s time. People check their phones every 15 seconds on average which was very interesting to me because it’s like a cigarette habit. A smoker needs to smoke every so often a person needs to check their phone so frequently it’s ridiculous.” 

Agreeing that technology and all the things it has to offer has taken over our everyday lively hood which can be quiet scary. Cell phones and technology have taken away from personal and social interaction and often times raise a level of stress for teenagers and adults. 

Cellphones have taken over and the question being is how can individuals manage their cell phone usage? Below are some ways that you can manage your cell phone usage starting today!

• Start slow but PUT YOUR PHONE AWAYDon’t completely eliminate your cell phone use reduces the amount of time you spend checking your phone. Put your phone somewhere where you will not see it. Turn your phone on silent mode so it won’t distract you.
• Focus on the here and now Mindfulness, being more aware. Try to be in the present moment by focusing on what is currently going on, including your own thoughts and reactions.
• Plan social interactions between you and your friends Spend your limited cell phone time hanging out with friends and engaging in face to face conversation and detaching from the social media segway. This way your energy is being used in a productive and meaningful way.
• Turn your phone for a couple of hours each day It’s important to have some time when your phone is off altogether. It can be very tempting to grab your phone and get on Facebook if your phone is right there. Have a set time each day when you power down your phone and disconnect.
• Hold yourself accountable Don’t cheat yourself, put your phone away and connect with yourself on a mental level. Your mental has to be stronger than yourself. Set a goal and do all you can to stick to it.