Disconnected: A Reflection on the Impact of Losing My Smartphone

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By Abdullateef Bala Usman

On Saturday evening October 20th, 2023, I unwillingly bid my phone farewell as it embarked on an unforeseen journey, one that would last until October 30, 2023. This sudden separation was a disconcerting experience for someone like me, a student whose daily life revolved around the convenience of a smartphone. Approximately 90% of my daily activities were conducted through that trusty device.

It was a fateful night, a night in which I inadvertently transformed my phone into an unwitting mattress, leading to its ultimate surrender. When the sun rose the next day, I was greeted by a stark, unresponsive black screen. Panic and anxiety quickly consumed me as I realized that I had lost a vital connection to my academic life, my social network, and the online classes that had become my lifeline.

Desperate for information about my lectures and assignments, I had no choice but to walk to a friend's hostel in the hopes of gathering any available updates. I felt isolated, out of touch with my friends, and acutely aware of the importance of a device that had become integral to my daily existence.

As days passed, my discomfort grew, and I felt the frustration-aggression theory beginning to manifest within me. Attending lectures became an anxiety-ridden experience, fearing that I might miss a test or crucial information from the previous class. I felt like a caged and abandoned bird, longing to spread my wings and regain the control that my phone had once provided.

Yet, amid this challenging period, I found valuable lessons. I was compelled to adapt and evolve. I began to explore potential solutions to get back on track. I increased the frequency and intensity of my daily prayers, seeking divine intervention and the means to purchase a new phone screen.

In the face of adversity, I discovered the resilience within myself, and the importance of staying connected with the world. This unexpected journey, though filled with frustration and setbacks, has ultimately allowed me to grow, to appreciate the technology that supports my life, and to better navigate the unforeseen challenges that life may present.

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