Guinea pigs in a dangerous experiment

Watching our community
become weakened
by the ubiquitous presence
of phones.

Distracting, isolating,
creating unhealthy echo chambers
that undermine critical thinking.

Fragmented attention - weakened
capacity -
for genuine connection.

This smartphone-based life -
interferes -
with developmental processes.

The ability to engage deeply,
to hold complexity,
to build meaningful community.

Less connected,
less attentive,
less resilient,

and less happy.

Retreat into short-term safety
rather than tolerate the discomfort
that precedes finding one’s way
into a conversation.

At first, just one or two trees
show signs of damage.
Then, the next thing you know,
the forest is a less healthy,
less vibrant place than it once was.

This piece was inspired by an article published in The Atlantic on 4 August 2024: ‘Why We’re Banning Phones at Our School’ By Russell Shaw.

Dream intentionally - while you’re (still) awake.