This is Part Two of our enlightening interview with Josh of SaveLandLines.org. Many of us have smartphones and enjoy the convenience. Unfortunately, smartphones have a dark side... We must face the ugly truth: most of us are addicted! Are we in control of that phone, or is that phone controlling us? Points to consider: --Regular exposure to harmful radiation given off by cell phones causes cancer. Many people do not know this, but the truth has been out there for many years. Because of our phone addiction, many of us don't want to hear this, but we'd better wake up before it is too late. Cell phone manufacturers and the tech industry have a lot of money and can afford to market their products while stereotyping those of us who raise concerns as "conspiracy theorists." --Cell phones emit radiation, have been linked with tumor growth and some cancers: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7663653/ https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/07/01/health-risks-of-cell-phone-radiation/ --Smartphones can be tracked, monitored, controlled and intercepted at any time. Anything digital can be controlled remotely. Don't think you have privacy if you are walking around with a smartphone. --Cell phones pose serious privacy risks. Whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden have warned of the surveillance capabilities of smartphones. --Smartphones are making us stupid! More and more adults and children are attached to these devices and relying on them to think for them. Neuroplasticity is a real phenomenon in psychology. Our brains change as we use (or do not use) them. As more people become dependent upon (some would say "addicted to") smartphones, many people are losing their ability to focus, think deeply and navigate the world. Some research suggests regular smartphone and social media use are diminishing creativity and mental health, particularly in young people who are unaware that alternatives to this technology exist: https://www.businessinsider.com/smartphones-gen-z-creativity-attention-jonathan-haidt-anxious-generation-careers-2025-1?op=1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35907700/ https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/cambridge-leads-governmental-project-to-understand-impact-of-smartphones-and-social-media-on-young --Landline phones are more reliable during power outages, aren't addictive, don't emit harmful radiation, and conversations cannot as easily be controlled. --People with cognitive disabilities and often the elderly have difficulties utilizing the many functions of smartphones and are excluded from fully participating in society when smartphones are required. --Some people are especially sensitive to EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) and find that they cannot use cell phones on a regular basis. Knowing all of this, we can only wonder... Why are smartphones being forced upon us? In many cities, one must use a smartphone and scan a QR code in order to park a vehicle or to obtain information. Wait, isn't that a form of discrimination? What happened to diversity, equity and inclusion? Smartphones were fun when they were optional, but now that they're being forced upon us, it's just not fun anymore. In fact, it's getting way scary. We must push back, people! Throw out your smartphones! Refuse to scan QR codes! BTW, if you live in WNY, Spectrum offers a "home" phone. It's a VOIP phone, not technically a traditional landline, but it does offer an alternative to smartphones for those who don't want to be exposed to the radiation or the harmful cognitive decline associated with regular smartphone use. Wherever you are, PLEASE do put pressure on your local politicians to require telecom companies to provide landlines to those who request them. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please give it a "like," subscribe and share it with others. This podcast is a labor of love. We make no money from it and take a risk in producing some of these episodes, so please do support the show! #oym @occupyyourmindpodcast #occupyyourmindpodcast
