If you’ve ever felt like you can’t live without your cellphone, then you’re not alone. A new survey reveals six in 10 people “couldn’t cope” with being away from their mobile phone for more than a day. The study also found that only three in 10 claim they never leave their house without their phone. However, when they bring their phones along, most people are entirely dependent on them for help. Sixty-eight percent rely on their phone to take pictures, while 64 percent use it to check the time, and 62 percent are constantly looking up weather forecasts. Remarkably, 13 percent say they can’t find their way to work without using their phone’s GPS.
On the topic of traveling, 27 percent of respondents admit they’re entirely reliant on their phones for directions. One in three add they’ve never used a printed map in their life. With everyone relying on their smartphones, it’s no surprise that they’re constantly looking for a place to charge their phones. The survey, commissioned by HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, and conducted by OnePoll, found 55 percent of respondents believe running out of battery power is a “nightmare scenario.” One in eight people claims that a dying battery gives them anxiety.
Petri Hayrynen of HMD Global said in a statement, “Smartphones offer so much, and it’s unsurprising that we’re dependent, making the common complaints around battery life a real issue.” Hayrynen added, “There are other ways we can preserve our phone battery and offset that angst. From using network connections selectively to muting unnecessary sounds and stopping apps from running in the background, these all help the cause and keep you switched on for longer.”
The poll also found that nothing would be more upsetting to respondents than losing their phone. Almost half of the survey respondents said it would be very problematic if they lost their smartphones. That’s more than those who would stress out over losing their debit card, car keys, or wedding rings. Overall, the average respondent checks their mobile device 20 times a day. They also spend two hours looking at their phone screen over 24 hours.
Some people think that technology is a gift, while others think it’s a curse. On the one hand, technology helps us with everyday tasks, like stocking our refrigerators or waking us up for work. On the other hand, today’s society has become so dependent on technology that most people feel they can’t live without their phones. The only way to fix this issue is for the community to find a healthy balance between having their phones and not. It’s essential to take some time away from your phone, go outside, and take in the world around you.
It also says a lot that people are more concerned about losing their phones than their car keys or wedding rings. However, most people have their entire lives on their phones when you think about it. If society continues to rely on our devices, then there’s no telling where we’ll end up. Technology can be helpful, but there can only be detrimental consequences if we become too reliant on it. As long as people make room in their lives for balance, technology won’t get the best of us.