Leo Gillick
A city has chosen to step in and limit smartphone use during the day. Is it a bit draconian? Yes. Might it be beneficial? Also, yes.
Videos by Rare
I hate to admit it, but I am addicted to my smartphone. I have had to set limits and boundaries around its use, like I would cigarettes or alcohol. In the mornings, I am careful to do my whole morning routine up until I sit and start working before delving into my daily digest of reels. In social situations, I put my phone away and, unless it starts ringing, stay present with the people around me. But, it doesn’t mean I find it easy.
I think a lot of us are the same, whether we want to admit it or not. Smartphone addiction, with its accessible entertainment and little kicks of dopamine, is one of the most widely abused addictions in the world. Without self-control, most of us are susceptible.
City Control on Smart Phones: The new rule for a two-hour limit on smartphone use is coming into play in a central Japanese town. It is not a strictly enforced rule and stands as more of a guideline. It hopes to encourage people to put them down and be more mindful of their usage.
Stepping Away From The Smartphone
Rather than punish people for their smartphone usage, the city plans to simply raise awareness. With the whole town on board, there will hopefully be a communal consciousness of their addictive nature fostered. If everyone is doing it, then it will be easier to kick the habit.
- “This does not mean the city will limit its residents’ rights or impose duties,” Toyoake Mayor Masafumi Koki told the BBC. “Rather, I hope this serves as an opportunity for each family to think about and discuss the time spent on smartphones as well as the time of day the devices are used.”
It’s important for people to realize that smartphone addiction can be incredibly damaging and limit their use. A little public pressure to cut down screen time is no bad thing. We could all do with leaving them at home here and there.
