My Addiction to my Phone
Memento Mori #2 - Sunday 30th March 2025
The Quiet Battle - My Mobile Addiction
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
— Kahlil Gibran
This morning I woke up feeling genuinely rested. It felt like I had won the lottery. A good night’s sleep seems to grow more precious with every day that passes. I am a light sleeper, and my nights are usually fragmented, interrupted by a trip to the bathroom or by the smallest unexpected noises. So when I manage to sleep uninterrupted, it feels wonderful and is worth noting in my journal.
Today Alice took part in a scouting event at Għajn Tuffieħa camp site. It formed part of the selection process for Maltese scouts hoping to attend the 26th World Scout Jamboree, scheduled to take place in Gdańsk, Poland, from 27 July to 6 August 2027. By then, Alice will be around fifteen years old. She has already experienced something similar when she attended the Essex International Jamboree in Chelmsford, England, an event held every four years since 1927. That three-week experience was, for Steph and me, a significant test of trust. Even though we had complete confidence in the leaders accompanying her, our minds were filled with endless “what if?” questions. What if she got hurt? What if she could not find food she liked? And yes, I even wondered, What if she gets kidnapped? Thankfully, none of those fears became reality. Alice returned home safely, and the only disappointment she experienced was having to leave her new friends behind and come back home to us.
Over the past week, I made another attempt to reduce the time I spend on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram. Not having TikTok has removed at least one layer of temptation. Still, despite my intentions, I am failing at this challenge rather spectacularly. A single notification is often enough to pull me into an endless loop of scrolling. Social media, in many ways, resembles an addictive substance. So I must admit something uncomfortable: I am addicted to it. My mind craves the constant stimulation until a disturbing or meaningless post suddenly snaps me back to reality, forcing me to confront the time I have just surrendered. That is usually the moment when guilt sets in and I realise that, once again, I have wasted time I can never get back.
I have read that stepping away from phone addiction and allowing dopamine levels to reset can create a deeper sense of presence and calm. Mental clutter begins to dissolve, making space for greater clarity and a more grounded awareness of the present moment. I have also read about minimalist phone applications designed to interrupt the dopamine-driven cycles that keep people hooked. Yet that approach does not work for me. I genuinely appreciate many of the opportunities that smartphones and the internet make possible. I enjoy reading, learning, creating photographs, writing, and staying connected through them. I love my smartphone. That is precisely my problem.
Still, I shall not give in. I intend to challenge myself once again to reduce my social media use. And since I enjoy setting personal challenges, I will add another one. I will begin a dietary plan aimed at losing seven kilos by July while keeping to a daily intake of 2,300 calories, as outlined in my health programme. I find myself looking forward to this challenge, curious to discover whether my self-discipline and willpower can finally match my good intentions. Starting has never been my problem. Staying consistent over time remains the true test.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this reflection, consider subscribing for future posts exploring photography, life, and the stories behind the moments we often take for granted.
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About the Author
Sergio Morana is a photographer, writer, and educator based in Malta. Through photography and writing, he explores life’s meaningful moments, personal growth, and the stories that connect us.
📷 Photography: Holy Communions • Confirmations • Portraits • Family Sessions • Events
Keep it up! I always set limits on my phone and stay true to them- but it is hard sometimes. Sometimes I want to click the 'ignore for 15 minutes' but that will just turn into ignore it for today. I hope you are able to find a balance that works for you.
Nice