Our phones are killing our creativity
A review on society and our screentime
Being online is so uncool.
Maybe it's the fact I've turned 25 and my frontal lobe has fully developed, or maybe it's the fact that influencers and brands are opting more for IRL (in real life) events rather than online. Or perhaps I have hit a wall and realised - what the fuck am I doing?
Recently I realised two very scary things.
1. That my creativity is dead. It's stale. It's taken the world's longest hiatus and I'm not sure when it's coming back
2. I'm pretty sure it's because of that damn phone
You can call me a boomer if you like, but I think I'm right...because I'm not the first person to have this realisation, and science backs me up.
Neuroscience and creativity
There has been a study, performed by Harvard Medical School, that links an adult's excessive use of screen time to lower gray matter volume. [1]
Smartphones are rewiring our brains to have a shorter attention spans, reduce our ability to focus, weaken our natural memory skills and if we're not careful, we'll become those guys from Wall-E.
There is so much research into how our phones are killing us. In all sorts of ways. And all of it is terrifying.
But to me, a creative, nothing is worse than realising that I have so many ideas I want to explore and achieve, and yet none of these creative things - none of these ways that I want to express myself - are being fulfilled.
I want to write, I want to design, and create, and make things, but something stops me every time: the pocket-sized supercomputer that I find is glued to my hand.
I'm on it, at least, three hours a day and I have no idea why.
I'm not sure what I do on it, why I use it, or why I feel the need to carry it with me room to room as if it really is my life support machine like my parent's always joked about.
But it feels like I have everything and everyone on my phone - so why would I be doing anything else, right?
Online is so unsexy
I recently read an article on Substack titled "Your phone is why you don't feel sexy" [2] and a gateway opened inside of me.
I won't explain in detail what Catherine, the author, goes into because I believe you should read it for yourself, but she explained how there is no longer any chase when looking for a relationship, and that it's weird you can sext on the same device you order lunch or book a doctor's appointment on.
And it stuck with my deeply because it's the same for creativity.
I'm writing poems on my notes app. I'm watching people do crafts I want to do on TikTok instead of doing them myself. I'm looking for inspiration on Pinterest instead of looking for inspiration inside of myself and trusting my gut.
I unintentionally force my creativity into a box because the inspiration I see is a limited echo of the what other's online have already explored.
It is scientifically proven that boredom is the key to creativity, and with doomscrolling and endless dopamine-filling apps there is no time for boredom. And therefore no time for creativity.
The spark Catherine mentioned isn't just about relationships, being a creative has lost it's spark too.
A reminder of the good ol' days
I have to force myself to read instead of go on my phone - when the fuck did it get to this point?
Younger me didn't have a TBR (to be read) list, she didn't question whether she could finish a book in a day, she just did it.
It's so easy these days to get - and stay - glued to a screen that fits in your hand. It's designed to be that way. And it's time I break free of that.
(Of course this comes with a multitude of other reasons to critique the dominance of smartphones, but this is the one that shook me free and made me realise it's time to change.)
It's time to remember that when I was 10 I used to write all of my short stories in a notebook, that all of my creative projects were born from my brain and not somebody else's curated vision board, and that when I was 15 I would stay awake all night writing fanfiction.
Even if the latter was still chronically online, she had the energy and spark to be creative.
I need to allow myself to be bored. I need to allow myself to dream, to design, to make something ugly and then try again without posting it on the internet or comparing it to someone else's creation that's already online.
Ultimately, I need to be offline.
I need to be in my head, in my boredom, to be able to find my creative spark again.
And you can follow me along for the ride if you like. So see you soon, but if not I won't blame you, I'll just assumed you've found the power of life beyond the screens.
Peace!
References
[1] https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain
[2] https://catherineshannon.substack.com/p/your-phone-is-why-you-dont-feel-sexy
About the Creator
Leigh Hooper
A writer in her twenties with a head full of ideas and a room full of books✨
My Instagram handle is: @leighooper
Keep reading
More stories from Leigh Hooper and writers in Longevity and other communities.
Rest, Relaxation & Resolutions
Now I don't know about you but if I had the option, I would throw 2021 into the bin. An absolute trash year. I've been dealing with it all this year: COVID life, heartbreak, work-related stress, I'm 21 and found my first grey hair, and above all of that I have not been prioritising resting my body.
By Leigh Hooper4 years ago in Longevity
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts6 days ago in Longevity
Why does the Netherlands seize up at the first sign of snow?
Every winter, as the first snowflakes drift down in the Netherlands, a familiar scene unfolds: traffic jams, delayed trains, crowded streets, and a general sense of chaos. For many outsiders, it seems baffling—after all, the Dutch are known for their engineering prowess, meticulous urban planning, and well-organized infrastructure. Yet, a few centimeters of snow appear to paralyze the country. So why does this happen, and what lies behind the Netherlands’ winter woes? A Country Built for Rain, Not Snow The Netherlands is famous for its flat landscape, extensive canal systems, and miles of cycle paths. Its infrastructure is designed primarily to handle rain and occasional floods rather than heavy snow. Roads are typically built with asphalt that can become slippery under snow or ice, and while bridges, highways, and train tracks are maintained year-round, snow presents unique challenges that the system isn’t fully optimized for. Unlike countries accustomed to prolonged snowfall, such as Sweden or Canada, Dutch municipalities rarely experience conditions severe enough to justify constant snow-specific infrastructure. The Role of Geography and Climate Geography plays a crucial role in the country’s winter vulnerabilities. The Netherlands sits in a low-lying delta region where water management is a daily necessity. Its proximity to the North Sea moderates winter temperatures, meaning snowfalls are often light, wet, and fleeting rather than consistent and powdery. This unpredictability makes it difficult for local authorities to prepare in advance. A sudden snowfall can quickly coat roads and railways with a layer of slush or ice, creating unsafe conditions before any effective response can be deployed. Public Transport Challenges Dutch public transport is widely regarded as efficient, yet snow quickly disrupts the system. Trains, trams, and buses can experience delays due to icy tracks, snow accumulation, or reduced visibility. Even a small amount of snow can cause switches to freeze or overhead lines to malfunction. Since the entire transport network is interconnected, a minor disruption in one area can ripple across the country, affecting thousands of commuters. Unlike in some northern countries where rail systems are built to operate in snowy conditions, the Netherlands’ network is optimized for punctuality under moderate weather, making even light snow a significant hurdle. Cultural and Behavioral Factors Dutch society, in general, isn’t accustomed to daily life under snowy conditions. Snow days are rare, and people often lack the experience of driving in wintry weather. Cars are often equipped with standard tires rather than winter-specific ones, and drivers may underestimate stopping distances or lose confidence on slick roads. This caution—while understandable—exacerbates congestion and slows down overall traffic flow. Moreover, cyclists, who make up a significant portion of commuters, are particularly vulnerable to icy roads, prompting many to stay off their bikes entirely and add to pressure on other transport modes. Snow Removal and Municipal Priorities Municipalities in the Netherlands prioritize snow removal based on necessity and likelihood. Major roads and highways usually get attention first, but smaller streets, bike lanes, and local thoroughfares may be left untreated until it is clear that snow will persist. Salt and grit are used sparingly, both to protect the environment and because heavy snowfall is rare. This approach works well most of the time, but even a minor winter storm can expose the gaps in preparedness. The Psychological Factor There’s also a psychological element at play. Dutch citizens know that snow is unusual, and the perception of danger can amplify reactions. Schools may close, offices delay opening, and parents keep children home, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of disruption. The result is a sudden, nation-wide pause that can feel like a complete shutdown—even if the actual snow depth is minimal. Lessons and Future Outlook Despite these challenges, the Netherlands has learned to manage snow with experience and planning. Meteorological services now issue early warnings, municipalities are better equipped for rapid responses, and public awareness campaigns encourage safe behavior during winter weather. Still, the country’s unique combination of geography, climate, infrastructure, and cultural behavior ensures that snow will continue to be a disruptive force rather than a routine winter experience. In essence, the Netherlands’ winter paralysis isn’t a sign of incompetence; it’s a reflection of a society built around a temperate climate, low-lying land, and infrastructure optimized for efficiency under non-winter conditions. The first snowfall remains a dramatic reminder that, in the Dutch context, snow is more than a seasonal change—it’s a temporary national emergency.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 7 days ago in Longevity
Comments (2)
Getting Back Lost, Hacked or Stolen Cryptos Hello everyone did you get scammed? or lost your BTC to fake online investment and in need of a hacker? (HWRCS) are the right person to contact. (Hack Wizard Recovery Cyber Services) They offer practically every hack, spy, cracking, recovery, bugging services and so much more. At first I wasn’t too sure they would be able to help. I paid for just the software needed for the job. and after 3 hours the result came as a surprise to my mailbox. I was very impressed. WHATSAPP:+12623256979. EMAIL:[email protected]
A well researched and incredibly personal view on the problem of phone addiction in the modern age. Very well done!