{
  "id": 15015000,
  "title": "I can't imagine life without my phone. But sometimes I wish I could",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/i-cant-imagine-life-without-my-phone-but-sometimes-i-wish-i-could-15015000",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-16T18:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/2026/10/16/i-cant-imagine-life-without-my-phone-but-sometimes-i-wish-i-could/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Growing up without a mobile phone being an ordinary possession, I recall the days when pagers were the only form of personal communication. It wasn't until mobile phones with call and text capabilities emerged that the mobile phone evolved into a constant companion. However, as years passed, I found myself yearning for life without this constant connection. The retreat I attended over a decade ago, seven days with no access to a mobile phone, allowed me to rediscover the beauty of silence and peace, something I would eagerly repeat if given the chance.\n\nIn recent times, it's become apparent that the constant connectivity afforded by mobile phones has made life feel more chaotic, with less privacy and increased distraction. I've witnessed families and friends engrossed in their phones, even during shared meals and conversations, often appearing distracted by their own screens. I too am guilty of spending excessive time on my phone, which has led to physical discomfort from poor posture and back pain. The doctor noted that constant phone use contributes to these issues.\n\nWhile the convenience of being reachable at all times has brought benefits, particularly for those like me who are overseas workers, I believe it has also altered our relationships and lifestyles. The simplicity of being unreachable, where people simply called again or trust that we'd show up, has been replaced by anxiety over missed messages and blue ticks. We no longer memorise phone numbers or rely on directions, instead instantly seeking assistance from our phones. Our attention has shifted to constant checking, even when idle moments present themselves, instead of engaging with our surroundings or allowing ourselves to feel bored.\n\nMoreover, the desire for privacy has diminished as every aspect of our lives is now documented and shared. Photography was once a means to preserve special moments, but now it seems to be an expectation. We now view life through the lens of social media, with no time left to simply exist in the present moment. Despite the conveniences that mobile phones offer, such as easy communication with loved ones overseas, I value the patience and effort required in previous generations to maintain these connections. The effortless access to information, entertainment, and services through our phones has changed the way we live, and while it has undoubtedly improved certain aspects of our lives, it has also made us more reliant and less present in our day-to-day experiences.",
  "summary": "More than a decade ago, I went on a personal retreat. For seven days, I wasn’t allowed to use a mobile phone. The first few days were difficult. It took discipline not to reach for a phone, check a message, or wonder what was happening outside. But as the days passed, I got used to the silence. Looking back, those seven days were some of the most peaceful and calm moments of my life. If I were…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "I can't imagine life without my phone. But sometimes I wish I could",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/i-cant-imagine-life-without-my-phone-but-sometimes-i-wish-i-could",
        "published": "2026-10-16T18:01:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}