Imagine this: It’s midnight, and you’ve been lying in bed scrolling through your phone for the last half hour. Tomorrow is a busy day with lots to do. Suddenly, you come across a post that catches your attention. It talks about people not being able to go offline. You shrug it off as just another sensational story and decide to go to sleep.
When you wake up, you find yourself holding your smartphone. Weird, because you remember putting it on the nightstand. Still groggy, you unlock it, and a post similar to the one you saw last night pops up. Thousands of people are unable to put down their devices. You try to lock your screen, but nothing happens. Panic sets in as you realize you can’t look away from the screen.
You get up from bed, phone still in hand, and stumble around, only seeing your surroundings through your peripheral vision. You fall, hitting yourself in the face with your phone. After getting up, you head to the bathroom, noticing frantic posts on your feed. People are sharing their struggles with this strange attachment to their screens.
As you get ready for work, you realize you can’t drive while staring at your phone. Your boss video calls, understanding the situation and not expecting you to be on time. You decide to walk to the bus stop, but soon realize public transport won’t work either. It’s going to be a long day.
At the office, everyone is in the same situation, eyes glued to their screens. You join a conference call, the only way to communicate now. After work, you head home, trying to do what you can remotely. Some of your friends and family are struggling, unable to work without being able to look away from their devices.
The first day goes by, and you clumsily cook dinner with one hand. You see a low battery notification and quickly plug in your phone, scared of what might happen if it dies. The next morning, the news is filled with reports of people worldwide unable to put down their phones. Support groups form, and you join one, connecting with familiar faces.
As days turn into weeks, you adapt to this new way of living. You join more support groups, helping those in need with money, groceries, and conversations. The world hasn’t returned to normal, but people are uniting to support each other. You work remotely, help others, and even find time to learn new things online.
You’ve become proficient in French and finally taken that math course you’ve always wanted. Reading ebooks and playing mobile games have become second nature. The main issue is the strain on your neck and eyes, but you find exercises to help. Turning your head and doing eye exercises relieve the tension.
On day 32, while having breakfast, you see a friend’s post suggesting looking out the window. Curious, you force your eyes away from the screen. Suddenly, you’re looking at your kitchen. You unclench your fingers, and your phone falls onto the table. You stand up, feeling like your legs are made of jelly, and look out the window for the first time in a month.
Outside, people are laughing and hugging each other with both arms. You glance at your phone but decide to leave it on the table. You rush outside, eager to reconnect with the world and your loved ones.
Imagine you are living in the world described in the article. Write a journal entry about your day, focusing on how being unable to put down your phone affects your daily activities and interactions. Reflect on how this scenario might change your perspective on technology use.
In small groups, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of technology in your life. Consider how the scenario in the article highlights both positive and negative aspects. Share your thoughts with the class and propose ways to balance technology use in daily life.
Design a comic strip that illustrates a day in the life of someone in the article’s world. Use humor or drama to depict the challenges and adaptations people face. Share your comic with the class and discuss the creative choices you made.
Research the effects of excessive screen time on physical and mental health. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, including tips for reducing screen time and promoting healthy habits.
Role-play a support group meeting where participants discuss their struggles and coping strategies in the world described in the article. Take turns sharing experiences and offering advice, focusing on building a supportive community.
Phones – Devices used for communication, often including features like calling, texting, and internet access. – Many students use their phones to stay connected with friends and family.
Attention – The act of focusing one’s mind on a particular object or task. – During class, it is important to pay attention to the teacher to understand the lesson.
Panic – A sudden overwhelming fear that can affect one’s ability to think clearly. – She felt a sense of panic when she realized she had forgotten her homework at home.
Screens – Displays on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and phones. – Spending too much time in front of screens can affect your eyesight and sleep patterns.
Support – Assistance or help provided to someone in need. – Friends and family can offer support when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Normal – Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected. – It is normal to feel nervous before a big test or presentation.
Cope – To deal effectively with something difficult. – Learning how to cope with stress is an important skill for maintaining mental health.
Adapt – To adjust to new conditions or environments. – Students often need to adapt to different teaching styles as they progress through school.
Connection – A relationship or link between people or things. – Building a strong connection with classmates can make school more enjoyable.
Strain – Stress or pressure that can affect one’s mental or physical health. – The strain of balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities can be challenging for some students.
