I started to use my old Nokia 3310 again, here’s why.
As an experiment, a couple of days ago I ditched my iPhone and got my old dusty Nokia out of a drawer to start using it again, embarking on a so-called digital detox.
In a world where health supplements, yoga retreats, and all sorts of wellness goodies are in the spotlight, there's one thing we often overlook: the impact of our mobile phone habits on our mental and physical well-being.
Let's face it, most millennials, myself included, have a bit of a love affair with our phones. But what really gets me is seeing folks of all ages, from wise grandparents to little kiddos, and even whole families, glued to their screens while enjoying a cuppa at their favorite café. It's like a universal pastime, and it makes me wonder about the side effects on our health.
By doing a quick Google search I found we spend an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes on our phones every day. That's like watching the movie Titanic, from start to finish, every single day! And we check our phones around 58 times a day. That's quite a lot, don't you think?
The good, the bad, and the (smart)phone
Our smartphones are pretty cool. They help us stay connected with friends and family, find new recipes, catch up on news, and even navigate when we're lost. But they also have a downside.
Have you ever felt like you're missing out on what's happening around you because you're too busy staring at your phone? The social aspects are quite clear by now, in real life we are actually more “disconnected” to the world around us than before.
Here’s something else: some research suggests that the radio waves from our phones might cause health problems like cancer, and with the new 5G technology coming out, we don't really know what the effects will be. For example, as a study from the National Toxicology Program by the US Department of Health and Human Services points out that high exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RF) used in 2G and 3G cell phone technologies were associated with cancer in male rats.
It doesn’t stop there. Since more than a decade ago many studies have been performed about the effects of radio frequencies (RF) on brain development, tinnitus, fertility, cancer, mental issues, and more. I suggest you watch the video below, as it will give you a great understanding of the possible implications RF can have.
Now, 2G/3G/4G could possibly be as damaging to your health as 5G and maybe even more, but by having used the good old Nokia for a few days, I didn’t feel like checking my phone all the time. Normally, I used to always start checking my phone the minute I woke up, I think you’ll know what I mean. Try going without your smartphone for 24 hours. I know, it sounds scary, but you might be surprised by how refreshing it feels to unplug for a bit.
Stay curious and remember - there's a whole world outside your phone screen waiting for you to explore!