Unplugging to Become Better Connected

Unplugging to Become Better Connected

By:  Brian Dobias

In March, we talked about the need to help students (and anyone else for that matter) get better connected.  Peer mentoring programs can be extremely effective in facilitating the process.  Unfortunately, at times we are up against some formidable opposition.  One of the most influential deterrents to building lasting human relationships is our high frequency of communicating through technology.

Now let’s be clear.  This is not meant to be a “technology-bashing” session, or to preach the “evils” of smartphones. Technology has enriched our lives in many ways. However, there is an increasing base of research demonstrating that the use of electronic devices such as smart phones can inhibit empathetic communication and deny individuals the opportunity to develop communication skills.

Each year, I ask my undergraduate Introduction to Wellness and Stress Management class to take a brief quiz regarding addiction to smartphones.  While the survey is not a validated scientific instrument, the dialogue that follows is remarkable as students become mindful of their level of addition to their phones. Our classroom discussions typically go beyond just the survey results, as students generate strategies and solutions to keep technology from interfering with their relationships.  In fact, part of the discussion is a renewed appreciation for what it means to build lasting relationships.

This activity is easily adaptable to any peer mentor program, regardless of age level.  

The Smartphone Quiz

Purpose:              To help mentees become mindful of the role that technology plays in their lives and how it may limit their engagement in genuine, lasting relationships with peers.

Group Size:        This activity will work with any age group, from early adolescent through adults.               It can be done one-on-one or with any size group from 6 to12 members.

Materials:           You’ll need:

A.      A copy of the quiz for each mentee

B.      A pen or pencil for each mentee

Procedures:

1.       Explain to the mentees that you’re all going to take a quiz. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong responses and that no one will be judged for their answers.  Encourage the mentees to respond as honestly as possible.

2.       Allow approximately 5-10 minutes for the mentees to complete the quiz.

3.       Once they have completed he quiz, define the term nomophobia.

Nomophobia is considered a modern age phobia introduced to our lives as a byproduct of the interaction between people and mobile information and communication technologies, especially smartphones.

4.       Go around the group and discuss their total scores.  Then follow up with additional questions.

How did you score?

15-35: Not at all nomophobic. You have a very healthy relationship with your device and have no problem being separated from it.

36-50: Mild nomophobia. You get a little antsy when you forget your phone at home for a day or get stuck somewhere without Wi-Fi, but the anxiety isn’t too overwhelming.

51-75: Moderate nomophobia. You’re pretty attached to your device. You often check for updates while you’re walking down the street or talking to a friend, and you often feel anxious when you’re disconnected.

76-105: Severe nomophobia. You can barely go for 60 seconds without checking your phone. It’s the first thing you check in the morning and the last at night, and dominates most of your activities in-between.

Guiding Questions

1.       Which question surprised you the most as you responded to it?

2.       How soon do you check your phone in the morning?

3.       Do you ever get annoyed because you can’t check your phone for texts or social media?

4.       What might you alone or with your friends do differently to reduce the negative impact of smartphones while still benefiting from the positive things?

5.       Think of your best friend.  At one time, they were only an acquaintance.  What did it take for that acquaintance to grow into your best friend?

  

THE SMARTPHONE QUIZ		Please respond to each of the following questions by circling the appropriate number.  1 = “strongly disagree,” to 7 = “strongly agree." Once you are done, total your responses below.
1	Do you find yourself spending more time on your phone than you realize?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
2	Do you find yourself mindlessly passing time on a regular basis by staring at your phone?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
3	Do you seem to lose track of time when on your phone?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
4	Do you find yourself spending more time texting, tweeting or emailing as opposed to talking to people in person?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
5	Has the amount of time you spend on your phone been increasing?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
6	Do you wish you could be a little less involved with your phone?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
7	Do you sleep with your phone (turned on) under your pillow or next to your bed regularly?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	Do you find yourself viewing and answering texts, tweets and emails at all hours of the day and night—even when it means interrupting other things you are doing?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
9	Do you text, email, tweet or surf while driving or doing other similar activities that require your focused attention and concentration?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
10	Do you feel your use of your phone decreases your productivity at times?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
11	Do you feel reluctant to be without your cell or smartphone, even for a short time?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
12	Do you feel ill-at-ease or uncomfortable when you accidentally leave your phone in the car or at home, have no service or have a broken phone?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
13	When you eat meals, is your phone always part of the table place setting?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
14	When your phone rings, beeps or buzzes, do you feel an intense urge to check for texts, tweets, emails, updates, etc.?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
15	Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your phone many times a day, even when you know there is likely nothing new or important to see?	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
	TOTALS >>>> Total each column and then add up all the columns together. MY SCORE IS:  ____________

Adapted from: Smartphone Compulsion Test developed by Dr. David Greenfield, a University of Connecticut psychiatry professor and founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/04/27/well/family/27well_phone.html)

 AND adapted from: Are you a smartphone junkie? by Caglar Yildirima and Ana Paula Correiab, University of Iowa (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/18/nomophobia-smartphone-sep_n_7266468.html)

NOTE: This survey as well as the surveys from which it is adapted are intended for educational purposes only. No diagnosis can be made exclusively from results of this quiz.

Brian Dobias is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Public Policy - Counselor Education Program at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW). (dobibf01@pfw.edu)  He is a Certified Trainer/Consultant for the NAPPP. In November 2017, Mr. Dobias was named Indiana Counselor Educator of the Year by the Indiana School Counselor Association