“Ole time sinting come back again”
“A walk down memory lane” was not only a memory but a literal moment as I stood in my kitchen on Sunday, July 7, 2024, and grated coconuts to prepare rice and peas. No electricity and limited connectivity due to poor satellite signals were only a fraction of the effects of Hurricane Beryl. Considering said circumstances, I had no choice but to quickly adjust to “old-time living.” Thank God I learned to cook rice in a dutchie and not a rice-cooker!
Without much effort, I could hear conversations among my neighbours and was quickly thrown into reflection mode as I heard a teen expressing her disgust and incapacity without the use of her mobile phone and the internet. There were no less than six children (ages 3 to 16) in that single space, and I thought about how much fun they could be experiencing by interacting and playing games with each other—Sword-in-hand (oops, now we’ll all see why we do need to have a paper Bible!), table games, guess-what-I-am-thinking games, next-line-in-the-song games, treasure-hunt-in-the-yard games, etcetera.
The sad reality of a chronic overdependence on technology became evident as this teen ranted.
NOMOPHOBIA
Research directed me to the term “nomophobia” (no-mobile-phone-phobia) which is an actual fear of losing or being away from one’s phone. According to Trendhunter, 66% of the American population suffers from nomophobia today. There is an increased rate of technological addiction, which is most common among teens. The uncontrollable desire to constantly/consistently use technological devices or the programmes, apps, and platforms connected to them is a cause for great concern. From improved innovation and communication, enhanced education, added efficiency, and a plethora of other benefits, there is no doubt that the increased use and availability of technology has made our lives relatively easier. However, if the unavailability of technology impedes our basic ability to function, then this presents a crisis.
According to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, “Researchers have found evidence that people who overuse technology may develop similar brain chemistry and neural patterning to those who are addicted to substances.” An unhealthy addiction to technology can have a severe negative impact on our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. This can cause stiff necks, worsen anxiety, depression, and even play a role in suicidal ideation and suicide in extreme cases.
“Too much a one ting nuh good fi nut’n” (too much of one thing is no good) is a famous Jamaican saying that surely applies to too much technology as well. There is a need to live a well-balanced life that is not controlled by external happenings. 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP) tells us to be well-balanced, self-disciplined, alert, and cautious at all times in order to keep Satan from gaining an advantage over us.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” While hurricanes and other natural disasters are never usually welcomed, they are inevitable according to Matthew 24:7 “… and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Considering this truth, there is a need for adaptability and contentment, especially when disasters and other situations arise.
SIGNS AND SOLUTIONS
You may not readily notice a technological addiction unless certain situations occur where you are forced to part ways with it. If you don’t go out enough or intentionally engage those in your presence, socialisation primarily takes place on your phone, and you feel anxious or depressed without internet connection, as if you can do nothing without it, or feel like a fish out of water when you don’t have your phone or tablet, then it’s time to take the necessary steps to address this addiction. I encourage you to get involved in face-to-face social activities, participate in sports, reading (do include the Bible), dialogue and play with family, friends, and neighbours. These habits will help when there is a long period without internet connection or electricity.
Moreover, this issue, which obviously negatively impacts your mental, emotional, and social well-being, is telling of your spiritual health too, which is the root of the matter.
Do you find that your thoughts are consumed day and night with picking up the phone to check messages or scroll through social media? One thing leads to the next, causing you to spend more time than you intended, even engaging in things that do not edify your spirit man. This is what causes prayer and the things of God to be unappealing or difficult.
1Cor 6:12b: Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me].
There is a need for self-control that only the Holy Spirit can provide. God wants you to awaken to fellowship with Him as it is the only true source of life, freedom, and satisfaction. It is unhindered by anything in the natural world (unless you let it). Your greatest desire and affection should be for Him; otherwise, you will entertain idols and suffer the consequences.
Purpose Hamilton is a member of Passion and Purity, a school-based Christian Ministry