This year marks iPhone’s tenth anniversary. When the device first launched in 2007, the average person didn’t know what a smartphone was. Today the average person has one.
And if you’re anything like the average smartphone user, then you’re probably guilty of swiping through emails instead of taking part in dinner conversation, or skimming texts while driving. You may have caught yourself sitting with a group of friends, all silently clicking away at your touchscreens.
With the ability to communicate, share, shop, date, listen to music, take pictures, pay bills, apply to jobs, read the news, and play games, all with the touch of a fingertip, it’s no wonder that we have such a strong connection to our devices. Numerous studies have shown that we check our phones constantly, with estimates ranging anywhere from 30 to over 150 times each day.
Ignoring the people who are standing literally right in front of us in favor of our smartphones has a name - phubbing. Playing off “phone” and “snubbing,” it may seem like an amusing concept, but it’s one with real-life consequences:
According to a 2015 survey of 450 adults, nearly half felt that they had been phubbed by a partner, and over 20 percent believed phubbing caused issues in their relationship. A 2016 study found that partners who phubbed, or were phubbed, were less satisfied with their relationships and reported more symptoms of depression.
Between bright HD displays, noise-cancelling earbuds, and a limitless number of available apps, you can get through a whole car ride, a work day, a workout, or a meal without having to really look at or listen to anyone.
As the trend in technology continues to move towards finding new ways to isolate ourselves from the outside world, AfterShokz is moving in a different direction - one that re-connects us with our family and friends.
Our open-ear bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones, sending vibrations through the cochleas. With your ears open, you can be involved in a conversation while still admiring Adele’s amazing pipes. You can enjoy the latest podcast while still being accessible to your colleagues. You can drift away in a guided meditation knowing that if your child needs you, you’re right there.
In a world of technology, it’s important to have a balance and our headphones provide the best of both worlds. You can still enjoy your music, podcasts, etc., and still stay connected to the world around you.
