“The before times” is a phrase deeply rooted in science fiction. It characterizes a historical phase when existence was significantly unlike the contemporary world. The term often refers to a time prior to a drastic life-changing event such as a nuclear catastrophe or the rise of AI dominance. In contemporary times, events like the COVID-19 pandemic or the 9/11 terrorist attacks are often perceived as substantial turning points. However, the “before times” I often yearn for was sparked off by a different life-transforming occurrence: the advent of the smartphone. Shortly after the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007 and its Android counterpart in 2008, these devices became commonplace in the United States and other developed countries. My two children, born in 1997 and 1999, were still quite young when this transition occurred, with scarcely any recollection of what life was like in the “before times.”

Today’s children, teenagers, and college students have absolutely no experience of life without smartphones. We, the older generation, do remember. However, this context should not be misconstrued as a lamentation about contemporary youth’s preoccupation with their devices. I recognize the miraculous nature of these technical devices and the innumerable internet-based platforms accessible through them. They embed within themselves global archives of art, history, science, and human knowledge. Equip us with the power to share our perspectives and experiences in real time, from anywhere. Indeed, a remarkable advancement.

However, this monumental change has imposed costs too. We have gradually shifted away from experiencing the real world around us, becoming engrossed in our virtual lives. It is not uncommon to encounter people, even within close physical proximity, lost in the screens of their cellphones, absentee residents in the immediate material world. We have ushered in an era of continuous distraction, barraged throughout our waking hours by photos, videos, text updates, and other attention-demanding stimuli. Consequently, we have become psychologically conditioned towards craving for periodic bursts of information intake.

Comparatively, life in the "before times" was different, arguably in a significantly better sense. We weren't constantly flooded with multiple stimuli – messages, updates, news, etc. The world was not as fast, complicated, or stressful as it currently appears to be. We had a heightened sense of being present in our immediate surroundings. If this notion seems challenging to grasp, I propose an experiment. At the end of this week, disconnect from your regular digital life from Friday evening to Monday morning. Completely switch off your phone and keep it out of sight. Initially, it might seem unsettling. However, the jitters will dissipate by Saturday evening and likely by Sunday, you might reacquaint yourself with life in the "before times."

The goal is not to renounce smartphones. They are valuable in many ways. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the adverse impacts stemming from this technological marvel. Countless mental health professionals are striving to manage the wide-ranging effects of this pervasive technology. There are a necessity and value for practicing restraint and ensuring a balanced lifestyle. Slowing down, focusing on one's surroundings, and not being constantly reactive are timeless principles. Reclaiming wholesome living is not beyond our control, and perhaps we can occasionally enjoy brief respites in the "before times."