The beauty of the modern age

Imagine travelling thirty years ago without your phone. No Trainline app, no ability to search for connections, or to let your friend know. Imagine the uncertainty of sitting on the train with no idea what time it is, if you´re close to your destination, or if the train will be there on time.

I was going to Edinburgh, watching the snowy landscape passing outside the train windows. I felt at peace when, suddenly, we stopped. Due to the weather conditions, all the delayed trains were blocking the train station in Chesterfield, so we couldn´t enter. I began to fidget. I knew I had only 15 minutes to change the trains, and the time was ruthlessly moving forward. I kept checking my Trainline app for further information and tried to find other connections in case I missed mine. I texted my friend, whom I was supposed to meet in Edinburgh, to let her know my situation. Then, I applied for a delay repay through forms of CrossCountry service.

Without my phone, my anxiety would probably kill me before I reached Chesterfield. Even though I was hypnotising the screen, silently persuading it to give me more time to change trains, at least I could´ve hypnotised something with useful information. When I´m sitting next to my friend, who´s ignoring me for texting her girlfriend, I wish for the opposite. Because people nowadays get captured by the screen easily and miss out on a lot of stuff.

I don´t deny that I use my phone a lot, too. However, it allows me to learn languages interactively, find new recipes shared by people on TikTok, or learn useful tips from various Instagram accounts. It especially allows me to prepare myself for many situations to come.

Unsure what the accommodation looks like? Check the photos posted by previous visitors. Scared the food may not be nice? Read the reviews. Wondering where to go? Browse through travel guide websites.

It can get out of hand. When I have a crush on someone, I know everything about them before they even open their mouth, thanks to social media stalking. Sometimes, I feel guilty because I rob them of the opportunity to tell me things themselves. But then, once, I found in a guy´s Facebook status that he was in a relationship, even though he was courting me. I thought it was a mistake, but it was true. So, never underestimate the power of social media stalking

I know people complain about today´s generation and its phone addictions. I sometimes shake my head in disbelief at the kids in the strollers with noses stuck to their phones. However, a curse modern technology is, for us anxious people, it´s a bit of a blessing.

Love,

Book and Tea Girl