Taste of life without a mobile phone

About two weeks ago, my mobile phone stopped working, and I started to live without one. My friends wondered why I didn't buy a new handset. The reason was I wanted to experience what life was like before mobile phones were invented.

During this period, I found that I could make use of my time more effectively. Many people check their phones constantly to see if they have missed calls or messages. I always used to do it. On many occasions, I got distracted by messages from my friends and wasted a lot of time.

Moreover, I often played games when I was bored, even when I was supposed to be studying.

Although I couldn't call my friends, I think life without mobile phones would bring us many advantages. At least we would be more efficient.

Yeung Yin

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Yin. It can't be denied that mobile phone technology makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family. The added benefits of smartphones - e-mail, social networking, internet, GPS, games, e-books and so on - mean you always have something to do to pass the time.

But as you realised when your phone broke down, people have become dependent on their phones. They don't know what to do if they don't have an electronic device attached to their hands. They forget how to communicate in person. They panic that they haven't 'checked in' or Tweeted, so they believe nobody knows where they are or what they're doing.

Of course mobile phones make life easier. But occasionally it's important to put your phone down and remember how much fun you can have without all the gadgets.

Try to spend a whole weekend when you use your phone for nothing but calls - call a friend and actually meet up in person.

Karly, Deputy Editor