Dear Editor,
The profound detachment of Yidden from the reality around them due to their fixation on their phones and WhatsApp statuses is a churban.
It seems as though our attention – the frum world’s attention – has been hijacked by a relentless stream of notifications and status updates. It is not uncommon to observe people walking in shul, or at chasunos, or in the supermarket with their eyes glued to their screens, oblivious to what’s around them, or individuals engrossed in conversations with their devices while real-life conversations fade into the background. Our ability to be present and engage with the world is being compromised by the “allure” of the shtus-filled digital realm. It’s a chaval.
Human connection, genuine face-to-face interactions, and the like are gone.
Simchas have become opportunities to take selfies and then post them on status for the world. Gone is a low-key simcha without having to tell people where you went last night.
The excessive connection to smartphones and the constant desire to update WhatsApp statuses have created a sense of detachment and, as we often forget to savor the moment itself.
Let us encourage a collective awakening, urging individuals to look up from their screens and reengage with the world. We can start by setting aside designated “tech-free” hours during the day, wherein we consciously detach ourselves from our devices and immerse ourselves fully in our surroundings. Whether it’s taking a walk without our phones, having heartfelt conversations with our spouse and children, or simply observing the world around us with renewed curiosity, these small steps can make a significant difference.
Our excessive attachment to our phones and WhatsApp statuses is causing a churban to our lives – and we don’t even realize it.
Yours sincerely,
Disconnected
100% correct.
Smartphones are assur. Smartphones are assur. Smartphones are assur.
Yes? Were the Nations of the world in a higher Madreiga in the 1930’s and during the Cozacks when they had no What-Ap?
I have seen it. Real upsetting.
By the way, who is so attached they need to use a cellphone in the bathroom?
Grow to eye to eye contact.
Your finished grebitzen!!!
Right on
I’m sadly one of those although not that bad! I wish I had more self-control! This letter is apropos during the week of the מרגלים and ולא תתורו
אחרי … עיניכם
Thanks. I posted this letter on my status to make sure more people are aware.
This is absolutely correct! The anochius is astounding. At almost every gathering, especially school graduations, women are so self-engrossed that they push and trample others and their belongings in order to reach their own. Where is the mindfulness and derech eretz?
I’m finally convinced that somebody bored within the mtzav yated family is writing these things. The question is if matzav we’ll stop there WhatsApp group? It’s not really doing anything positive anyway.
Such a shtarke message- I hear you, but unfortunatly lacking in the achrayus to sign your name.
What is “WhatsApp statuses” ?
It’s a game that sleepaway camps play when it’s a rainy day.
Look, in every generation there are problems. 100 years ago they had other problems. Nobody is going to solve the klals problems. How about starting to fix your own shortcomings Mr Disconnected?
Could be that one of his problems is that he doesn’t give enough tochacha. Honestly I think he made a very good point and your reply sounds like you’re just not ready to be mekabel.