Spending less time on screens this Lent can help us rediscover silence and be more available to loved ones.These days, forgetting your phone at home is almost like leaving your keys. Some people simply can’t imagine their life without their phone by their side. So, how do you feel about your phone? Can you switch it off for half a day or a space of an evening? Answer these questions as truthfully as you can to find out!
1. “You’re still on your phone?” is something you hear …
a) Often
b) Sometimes
c) Rarely
2. You are late for work and can’t find your phone. It’s probably still at home so …
a) You panic and turn back — you must find it!
b) You decide you will go home at lunch and look for it.
c) You decide that you can survive without your phone for the day.
3. When you are at church, your phone is …
a) Switched on
b) Switched on but on silent mode
c) Switched off
4. As you come out of the church …
a) You immediately become absorbed in your phone.
b) You check the messages you received and put your phone away.
c) You greet your friends and look at your phone after you leave.
5. You’re in the middle of a meeting when you get a call …
a) You answer the phone.
b) You answer only if it’s urgent.
c) You switch the phone off.
6. How many texts a day do you send out?
a) More than 10
b) Somewhere between 5 to 10
c) Fewer than 3
7. You’re expecting a call …
a) You keep the phone in your pocket or hold it in your hand.
b) You leave the phone where you can see it and check it from time to time.
c) You continue what you’ve been doing — if you miss the call, the person can always call back or leave a message.
8. When you’re using public transportation …
a) You watch films or play games on your phone.
b) You try to avoid taking your phone out but might do so here and there.
c) You never take it out and read a book or pray instead.
9. If you don’t know many people at a party, you …
a) Play a game on your phone.
b) Check your messages from time to time.
c) Enjoy the party and don’t think about your phone.
10. A phone begins to ring in the middle of Mass …
a) You give a dirty look to its supposed owner, before realizing that it’s you.
b) You think, “Thank God it’s not me!”… and quietly switch your phone to the silent mode.
c) There’s no chance of this happening, you always leave your cell phone off or at home.
11. You change your phone …
a) As soon as a new model comes out.
b) When there is a special offer.
c) Never. Why bother? You’re happy with the one you’ve got as long as it works.
12. When it comes to turning your phone off for an evening or weekend …
a) You already tried it once — it was hell!
b) It’s an interesting idea. You’re not totally against it.
c) That’s easy — you do it all the time.
If your answers above were mostly …
a …. You are very attached to your phone. You might want to try using it a little less during Lent.
b … You are pretty reliant on your phone but you have no qualms about switching it off for few hours or when the situation calls for it. Lent can be a time to become even more disciplined when it comes to your screen time.
c … You demonstrate an extraordinary detachment when it comes to your phone, and practically never use it. Do you even own one?! Try a different sacrifice this Lent.
Read more:
How gratitude reduces smartphone addiction
