It's Necessity, Not Addiction.

In today's world, our phones aren't just mere gadgets anymore like we used to say. They've become part of our lives, helping us with so many things that make our daily life a lot easier.

I remember very well that it started with just making calls in the mid-2000s, and that was a relief to many Nigerians because making calls back then in business centers cost a fortune, especially when it's an international call. We went through so much stress to make calls, but when those burner phones came, a lot changed, and we've been experiencing development up to today when our phones can do a lot more than just making calls.

As disciplined as we can be, getting very attached to our phones is almost inevitable in today's world, and I wouldn't like to use the word addiction because that's not what it is. Our phones, with the help of the internet, are capable of doing so many things like bank transactions, businesses, convenient learning, easy communication, tracking, and so many others. With all these benefits, how is it possible we don't get too attached to our phones?

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I remember that year when the pastor of the church I attended then always complained so much about how the youth used their phones every time. During a youth seminar, he dedicated over 30 minutes discussing his displeasure, and I just kept smiling because if he knew what phones were capable of doing, he wouldn't say those things.

We were going for a program at our headquarters in Iju that year, and I went in the pastor's car while other members went in their vehicles. They went ahead of us, and I was triggered to check what the road looked like when the pastor complained about traffic.

I realized there was massive traffic on the road, and I suggested we take an alternative route. To cut the story short, we arrived at the location before those who went ahead, and when the pastor said the Holy Spirit must have hinted me about the traffic, I showed him Google Maps, and now he doesn't leave the house without checking the road conditions.

It's very easy to talk down about people who can't do without using their phones until you realize that it's not just for fun; they know what their phones are capable of and do not hesitate to utilize them.

In response to the second HL prompt this week, staying away from my phone isn't an issue as long as I don't need it. Practically, I use my phone daily to chat, make calls, do transactions, blog, play games, and a few other things, which don't take up six hours daily.

There are days when I do fewer things, but completely doing away with my phone is difficult because there will always be things that make me need it. I have alternatives for making transactions, like going to the bank or using my ATM card, and I can play board games instead of mobile games, but how do I blog, chat, or make calls to people far away? There aren't other options than using the phone, so putting it away for a while might not work for me.

But for an hour or two, putting my phone away happens a lot, especially when I am busy with my birds, ponds, or gardening. I spend time with family and engage in other activities that keep me away from my phone.

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It all boils down to enjoying the ease phones bring to our lives, no hard feelings. If anyone can go days without phones, it's fine and doesn't mean those who need them every hour are addicted or not disciplined.

We live in a digitalized world, and phones serve different purposes to us. I know a food vendor whose phone doesn't go off because she doesn't have a shop and takes orders online; we can't expect that person not to be attached to their phone. That's definitely not addiction but a necessity driven by the demands of today's world.

The most important thing is creating a balance and not judging others. We are definitely not less disciplined for relying on our phones; we are all just adapting to a world where phones are essential.

_{All Image Are Mine.}