Hidden Costs of Smartphones

Just 20 years ago, who would have guessed that people would develop “separation anxiety” from their smartphones? Nomophobia is the clinical name for this emotional state, and it goes hand-in-hand with the fear of being offline. Studies show that growing numbers of people experience anxiety, along with increased heart rate and blood pressure, when separated from their cell phones (Time, August 22, 2017). Researchers warn, “While we can’t stop technology from evolving… we can at least try to stop ourselves from using our smartphones 24/7 and from becoming overly dependent on them as extensions of ourselves.”

For many today, spending time with their electronic device (phone or tablet) is a higher priority than spending time with other people—or even with God! The biblical admonition is to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Electronic devices can easily become one of the tools of the “god of this age,” Satan the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4), to separate us from more important aspects of life. For more wisdom on how to use technology wisely, read “The Two Faces of Technology.”