Learning to look up again – controlling your smartphone addiction | Ross Sleight | TEDxLeamingtonSpa

Summary

The speaker discusses the growing dependency on smartphones and how it affects our daily lives, introducing terms like 'phubbing' and 'technoference' to describe this behavior. Despite acknowledging smartphones as powerful tools, the speaker expresses concern over how they detract from real-world interactions. They highlight statistics on smartphone usage, urging the audience to be more mindful of their behavior. Five actionable insights are shared to help people reduce smartphone overuse, such as tracking usage, living in the present, asking others to put their phones away, not sleeping with phones, and turning off notifications.

Takeaways

• 📱 The term 'phubbing' refers to ignoring people around you while using your phone in public.
• 👾 'Technoference' describes how technology interrupts our daily lives.
• 📉 The rise of smartphones has introduced new terms like 'smombie' (smartphone zombie) to describe antisocial behavior.
• 📊 More than 39% of people in the UK believe they spend too much time on their phones, with the number rising to 55% among those aged 16-35.
• ⏳ The average smartphone user spends 2 hours and 25 minutes a day on their phone, with heavy users doubling this time.
• 🍽 A third of people use smartphones while eating with friends or family, and 50% use them while walking in the street.
• 💡 We need to become aware of our smartphone usage and actively choose to reduce unnecessary screen time.
• ⏰ Avoid sleeping with your smartphone nearby, as it can disrupt sleep and negatively impact mental and physical health.
• 🔕 Turning off notifications or putting the phone on airplane mode helps reduce distractions and increases focus.
• 🙌 Simple changes in behavior, such as asking others to put away their phones during conversations, can promote better real-world interactions.

Q & A

What is the term 'phubbing' and how is it explained in the script?

'Phubbing' refers to the act of snubbing someone in favor of using a smartphone or other device. In the script, it is described as using a phone in public while ignoring the people around.

What is 'technoference' and how does it impact daily life?

'Technoference' is the interference of technology, particularly smartphones, in daily life. It refers to the interruptions and intrusions caused by excessive phone use.

What is the significance of the 'bowed headed tribe' mentioned in the script?

The 'bowed headed tribe' is a reference to people constantly looking down at their smartphones. In China, this term humorously describes individuals who are glued to their devices.

What does the term 'smombie' refer to?

'Smombie' is a blend of 'smartphone' and 'zombie,' used to describe people who are so absorbed in their smartphones that they become unaware of their surroundings.

How has smartphone adoption grown since its launch, according to the script?

The script notes that over 2.5 billion people currently use smartphones worldwide, and this number is expected to rise to 5 billion by 2020.

What concerns does the speaker express about smartphone usage?

The speaker expresses concern about how smartphones are leading to less social interaction and more isolation. People are increasingly spending time in their 'virtual homes' instead of engaging with the real world.

What percentage of people in the UK believe they spend too much time on their smartphones?

In the UK, 39% of people believe they spend too much time on their smartphones. This number rises to 55% for people aged 16 to 35.

What are some behaviors that reflect excessive smartphone use, as mentioned in the script?

Examples include using smartphones while eating with friends and family, walking while looking down at the phone, and even crossing the road without looking up from the device.

What are some suggested strategies to reduce smartphone overuse?

The speaker suggests several strategies: tracking smartphone usage with apps, living in the present by putting the phone away, asking others to do the same, not sleeping with the smartphone in the bedroom, and turning off notifications.

What impact does keeping a smartphone nearby have on cognitive ability, according to the script?

Simply having a smartphone present, even if not being used, can reduce cognitive ability, making people less mentally sharp.