Smartphones change Pindiites’ lifestyle

Smartphones’ use seems to have altered Pindiites' lifestyle but more in a negative way. High cell phone use is being linked to poor performance in college students, sedentary behaviour, health problems and broken social bonds.

“Smartphone has definitely decreased my physical activity. Before I had it, I used to meet family members and friends in person. But now, I mostly get in touch with them by phone. I confess that at some point or another I surf the internet, email and play video games when actually I should pay attention to something else,” says Asad Ali, who lives in Saddar area.

“Smartphone users many times disrupt pedestrians and collide with them. I can’t even count the number of occasions I almost ran into others while walking in the market as people looked down at their phones instead of paying attention to where they’re going. I think like Belgian city of Antwerp we need to have dedicated specific lanes for mobile phone users similar to the lanes for cyclists,” says Minahaal Hussain, a college student.

“I know smartphones are impressive and have many advantages, but I must also admit that they come with some harmful effects as well. The effect of smartphone addiction on my child is huge because even during meals he doesn’t raise his eyes towards me and responds just by hoon, haan,” says Binte Fatima from Fazal Town.

“I agree with Fatima, smartphone overuse can cause tensions in relationships. My daughter is always busy checking social media and never engages in conversation with those around her. I repent buying her a smartphone,” laments Shehryar Bano from the same locality.

“My kids have trouble putting the mobile devices away. They don’t like to be separated from their cell phones. They can’t go a single day without their cell phones; they check their phone every 10 minutes. When I try to talk to my children glued to the smartphone they react negatively: Baba, “Please, don’t interrupt us while we’re enjoying,” says Ali Akbar from Satellite Town.

“I’ve become smartphone addict and really feel guilty of being buried in my phone all the time. I take pleasure in my phone, but I terribly miss what’s happening around me,” says Murtaza Zaidi, who lives near Saidpur Road."

“I still remember a mobile phone addict boy whom her mother before going to do the shopping had asked to look after his sick father and give medicine in time, but the boy was too engrossed in his smartphone to hear the voice of his dying father? I always fear my son could literally do the same thing to me when I called out for help,” adds Zaidi.

“My child can’t study without listening to music. My daughter watches videos without using earphones. When I advise them they say: “Mama! You really disturb us. This is a new age. These things are essentials,” says Zainab Ali, who lives in Tajabad.

“Face-to-face interactions are important for cognitive, language and emotional development. Before mobile phones existed, mealtime was a time where we had interactions. I think discussion about the use of technology with children is badly needed,” says Haider Kazim from Teli Mohallah.

“Smartphone isn't a bad thing. I can’t imagine living a day without smartphone. I disagree that mobile device makes me spend less time with family, it has actually increased my ability to keep in touch with friends and family,” said Murad Ali from Waris Khan, when questioned by this scribe on the issue.