Simon Sinek Explains How Phones Affect Relationships And Harsh Goenka Is All Ears

In the era of smartphones and social media, it’s common for people to get engrossed in their screens, often missing out on the beauty of living in the present moment. The constant lure of notifications and updates can sometimes overshadow the richness of real-life experiences. A trending video on X (formerly Twitter) has brought attention to the issue of phone addiction and its impact on relationships. Inspirational speaker Simon Sinek eloquently discussed the psychological impact of smartphones, prompting the audience to consider a scenario: “Imagine I’m here talking to you, holding my phone. It’s not buzzing, not beeping, no one’s calling me, I’m just holding it.” He posed a question to the audience, “Do you feel as if you’re the most important thing to me right now?” and answered, “No, you don’t. That’s the association.”

Sinek emphasised that placing the phone on the table during meetings or family dinners sends a subconscious message that others are not the top priority. He advised against the common practice of putting the phone upside down, stating it is not more polite. Instead, Sinek suggested putting it in airplane mode to remove the temptation of incoming notifications and physically placing it out of sight. The speaker stressed the importance of face-to-face interactions, emphasising that the goal is “not that we hear the words they say, but they feel heard.”

Warning signs of phone addiction included checking the phone before saying good morning and carrying it from room to room. Drawing a parallel to recreational drugs, Simon Sinek recommended leaving phones behind in certain situations, gradually easing up on the reliance on them. For example – going out for a family dinner or having a client meeting, he advised leaving unnecessary phones at home, in the car, or in a bag – never taking them out. In conclusion, he likened smartphone addiction to any other and said, “like any addiction, it just takes a little work.”

The video caught the attention of industrialist Harsh Goenka who shared it on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). “Step away from the screen, embrace the world, and rediscover the joy of living in the moment…..” his caption read.

Simon Sinek’s insightful discussion on managing smartphone usage struck a chord with the audience. One user commented under the post, “Living in the moment is a great art,” while another added, “Very true, but very few people can implement this.”

A commenter expressed frustration, stating, “Yes, we have this problem at home with the young generation, and they just do not get it.”

Someone wrote, “Totally agree…But easy to say and tough to do,” while another appreciated the message, noting,“Good Message Sir! The earliest we escape from the screen, the better building relations.”

It is a gentle reminder to put down our phones, look up from screens, and savour the richness of the world around us. As we navigate the digital landscape, finding a balance between virtual connections and the joys of living in the moment becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being.