In my experience, whenever I am with someone who has a phone with them - the person is not fully present. He is always checking, swiping and clicking. Research has shown [we have cited sources in the past on these pages] that even the presence of the phone on the table in front of the person decreases his focus on the task at hand [learning, reading, writing, talking, working etc.].
My question is whether the benefit we have from the phone justifies the harm it causes on multiple levels. There is a basic issue of כבוד הבריות - respect for human dignity. It is not respectful to physically be with someone while one's mind is elsewhere. This is harmful to the other person and to ourselves b/c we lower ourselves when we don't respect others.
Another loss is true connection. Human beings need to connect and the phone prevents that.
Another loss is that we are constantly focused OUTWARD while a Jew should be primarily focused INWARD.
So can't we just put the phone away and look at it at a few predetermined periods during the day, freeing ourselves to be present the rest of the time?
I don't think my words will resonate with so many people b/c we are so connected to our devices and it is hard to separate. But maybe someone somewhere will make a change which will enhance himself, his middos and all his relationships.
