Are Phones Enemies to Human Relationships or Do They Make People Feel More Secure and Relaxed?

I believe that the effect of phones on human relationships depends on how familiar you are with the people you hang out with. This is because it is not worth it to spend time sharing your true emotions and burdens with everyone.

It is essential to limit the time we spend on our phones when we are with important people. For example, I have had a close friend since the first year of primary school, and this is our eighth year of being both classmates and friends. This semester, I transferred to another school, so we were separated physically. However, our friendship has proven that it can can stand the test of time and distance. After four months, she is still happy to hang out with me, and we never run out of things to talk about. She uses her phone and plays video games as normal, but one interesting phenomenon is that she hardly unlocks her phone when she is with me. Me as well. In a survey of 143 American adults, 46% reported experiencing distraction from an email or phone call while with their partner, and 23% stated that this had undermined their relationship (Myers). I would feel disappointed and demeaned if my close friends were always on their phones when we were together. I believe this is a shared, unspoken social rule. As a result, phones can be dangerous in tight-knit relationships; there must be someone who deserves your time without the screen.

At the same time, the situation can differ greatly. It is completely understandable to use your phones if two people are not so familiar with each other. Some people may question why you are still together if you do not enjoy each other. However, some relationships are inevitable. For example, a group project where you were randomly selected as teammates or parents who force their kids into blind dates. Under these kinds of conditions, phones can mitigate embarrassment. A study found that three-fifths of Britons acknowledge that phones help them get rid of social awkwardness (Bailey). Ultimately, you do not have to force yourself to keep speaking with people if it makes you feel embarrassed. Phones will save you from the awkwardness.

To conclude, phones are double-edged swords. Do not let them isolate important people and from you. However, you may utilize it when you feel uncomfortable at an unfamiliar get-together with random people.