SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

In the labyrinth of modern technology, smartphones and social media stand as monumental inventions that have melded and reshaped our world. But, the line between staying connected and feeling isolated has become increasingly blurred. Today’s Bloganuary prompt, “If you could un-invent something, what would it be?” leaves me stuck between the two.

The Phone That Does It All

Smartphones, for me, have evolved beyond their basic function of calling or texting, especially as CRPS has significantly reduced my social interactions—totally nothing to do with me being socially awkward ?. They serve as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that actually work, encompassing music players, weather updates, and so much more. These pocket-sized devices bring a world of information and convenience to my fingertips. But then reality sets in…

The Privacy Paradox

Back in the era of ‘dumb’ mobiles, the ones without cameras, there were personal boundaries—apart from the ‘I must talk loud to let everyone around me know I have a mobile phone’ person. But the advent of camera phones, especially smartphones, marked a turning point. Suddenly, public privacy became a quaint concept, with every outing potentially turning into a spectacle for online consumption and likes. The line between public and private life has been irrevocably blurred.

The Alienation Irony

Social media platforms were touted as tools for bringing people together, but they often have the opposite effect. Despite being more ‘connected’ than ever, a sense of alienation pervades. The constant bombardment of advertisers, the curated lives of influencers or the acquaintance you can’t quite remember meeting, and the ever-present pressure to be ‘on’ take a toll on our mental health.

The Bright Side of Social Media

I’m not saying that all social media is terrible. I’ve had some great experiences with some. Platforms like TikTok have become educational tools where I’ve learned extensively about health issues. They’re also a source of fun, uplifting content that defies the usual negativity associated with the platforms.

Over the years, social media has introduced me to incredible people, some I’m happy to say I’m still in touch with. It’s also become my primary news source, keeping me updated on world events in real-time.

The Nostalgia of Simpler Times

Even with the good side of social media, I find myself longing for the old days of Web 1.0 (before FaceBook came along and did what it did to the internet). You know, the time of personal blogs, chatrooms, and Angelfire websites that felt more genuine and less commercially driven. The digital landscape was simpler, slower, and more human.

The 24/7 Expectation

But those times are gone. Both smartphones and social media have nurtured an environment where being constantly reachable is the norm. Holidays, weekends, personal time – all are fair game in the age of instant communication. I don’t know of anyone who’s escaped a work call while away on holiday. This erosion of boundaries has led to a society where downtime is a luxury and mental exhaustion commonplace.

The Mental Health Impact

I get and use the positive aspects of these technologies, but my reason for wanting to un-invent them stems from their negative impact on society. The always-on mentality, the erosion of privacy, and the superficial connectedness can lead to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of community.

The Balancing Act

While the idea of un-inventing smartphones or social media is tempting, it’s more about redefining our relationship with them. We can appreciate the convenience and connections they offer while actively reclaiming our time, respecting boundaries—our own and those of others—and nurturing real connections beyond the screen.

What about you? Do you think smartphones and social media have done more harm than good? Or do the benefits of smartphones and social media outweigh the drawbacks in your experience?