If you feel you're guilty of spending too much time on your smartphone, then it's likely that this mother's recent Facebook post will strike a chord with you.
Conducting her own personal experiment, Brandie Wood attempted to establish the impact handheld devices have had on the relationship she shares with her sons.
Outlining the events which unfolded in her home that day, Brandie from San Diego wrote: "Today I did an experiment, I watched my boys play."
"As I sat quietly in the corner of the room I tallied how many times they looked at me for various reasons: to see if I saw their cool tricks, to seek approval or disapproval for what they were doing, and to watch my reactions."
Considering the implications of her observations, she continued: "I couldn't help but wonder if I was on some sort of technology what message would I have been sending? 28 times my angels would have wondered if the World Wide Web was more important than them."
"28 times my boys would have not received the attention most adults are searching for. 28 times my loves would have questioned if they were alone emotionally. 28 times my kids would have been reassured that who you are online is what really matters."
Stunned by the effect her small experiment had on her perception of family life, Brandie urged parents to consider how they spend their time while in the company of their children.
"In a world where we are accepted as who people perceive us to be and not who we really are, in a world where validation comes from how many followers or likes we have, in a world where quality time with loved ones is being replaced by isolation and text messages from the other room, I beg you to be different," she appealed.
Finishing the post, which has been shared over 70,000 times in mere days, Brandie asked: "Please put down your technology and spend some time with your family and loved ones."
Brandie, in an effort to hammer home the importance of her post, asserted: "The next generation of children is counting on us to teach them how to be adults, don't be too busy on social media, you never know who is watching and what message you are sending."
Commenting on the effect her Facebook post has had on members of the public, she said: "I had no idea it would spread like this. I am guilty of being connected to my phone as well. This experience has completely humbled me to be more present."
What are your thoughts?
