Two weeks with no iPhone
Apr 9, 01:05 PM by Eric Allen
A little over two weeks ago I was giving my girlfriend a hard time about how much time she spent reading blogs on Google Reader. After a bit of cajoling, she responded “fine, I’ll give up Google Reader if you’ll give up iPhone for a week!” Now this seemed like an absurd challenge, but after a bit of negotiation, we had a deal. She wouldn’t use Google Reader or go directly to blogs, and I would only use Phone, SMS, and Calendar functions on my iPhone. Anything less and I’d start missing responsibilities. Anyway, if either of us cheated the challenge would be extended (for both of us) by one week.
A few days into the challenge she ended up on Ben Cashnocha’s blog via Twitter, and actually read the article there. I called this a violation, so we were at two weeks. Two weeks with no real smartphone functions! Two weeks with no email, no web, no games, no weather, nothing! I held off getting a real PDA until sixth grade, and I’ve had one continuously ever since (I don’t bring one on camping trips, though). So, this PDA sabbatical was quite an interesting experience.
For the first few days I had to keep tight control of myself lest I end up checking my email on the way to class. After that, it got easier. By the end of two weeks, I think I’ve actually broken some of my bad PDA habits. I actually walk to class now without distracting myself the whole way with infoporn. I’m more mindful of the world around me, and I waste less time doing stupid things with my iPhone to keep myself busy. When I first got an internet-connected PDA (seventh grade), I though it would be great to have something I could be productive with in little five- or ten-minute periods of downtime. As it turns out, I’m better off cooling my heels and relaxing instead of constantly trying to be productive. I never would have realized that if I hadn’t accepted the challenge.
Taking a break from constant internet connectivity has been a very healthy thing for me to do. I’ve learned a great deal about myself and how I deal with the world. Who would’ve thought? My wonderful girlfriend deserves a lot of thanks for putting me up to this crazy challenge.
