Electronic Soul

E L E C T R O N I C S O U L

Phones are becoming increasingly sophisticated and advanced, allowing people to connect with anyone, anywhere, at any time. However, a question still lingers: why does the medium that brings us together also seem to pull us apart? Are smartphones contributing to the destruction of the planet more quickly than anticipated? Does this make sense?

The world is progressing rapidly in all fields, particularly in technology. Over the past few years, phones have evolved significantly and have become an integral part of our daily lives. The proliferation of smartphones could be likened to a speedy and quiet plague. I wanted to intervene by bringing attention to a topic that has not been given a voice.

Through my photography series, I aim to shed light on the issue of phone addiction among Chinese citizens, as well as the potential dangers that can arise from this addiction, such as depression and loneliness.

If someone had told me in 2000 what these devices would be capable of in 20 years, I would have thought they were crazy, and I would not have been alone. At that time, no one could have predicted the impact that phones would have on our lives. It would have sounded like science fiction. This led me to ponder: how will smartphones of the future change our human habits?

DIGITAL ERA

Computer keys turn into fashionable ladies, showcasing the combination of technology and life in the «digital era» and the prosperous, modern business cosmopolitan spirit of the Tinhotown.

November 2016

An outlook from a window within a particular section of Guangzhou city.

The three primary telecommunications providers in China are China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. With over 900 million subscribers, China Mobile is the world's largest operator in terms of customer base. The Chinese phone market has experienced significant economic growth owing to the high demand for the latest products among consumers. However, as depicted in the image, despite being in a market where communication is usually essential, no one seems interested in talking to others.

This is what the EXTERIOR/INTERIOR of a subway station in Guangzhou looks like! Each individual appears to be engrossed in their phone.

This problem has impacted all generations, from the Silent Generation to Generation Alpha, regardless of gender or age.

I believe that the root of this issue lies within the household. As observed, parents tend to provide their children with phones at a very young age, sometimes even before the age of two. It's hard to believe, but there is ample research to indicate that this can have adverse effects in the future, such as difficulties with concentration, Increased mental laziness, and a decreased ability to form friendships in real life...

In the sixteenth century, cafes were established as social spaces where individuals could come together to enjoy coffee, music, reading, or games. However, in Guangzhou, I believe that everything has changed now.

Individuals can become fully immersed in their phones, causing them to disregard their surroundings. Here are three illustrations:

The first picture depicts a taxi driver who was attending a meeting on his first phone while also using his second phone to locate our destination.

The second and third pictures show merchants who are so absorbed in their phones that they don't seem to care about customers or selling their shoes and toys.

These three pictures exhibit the diverse hazards that phone users may face.

Could your phone take your real life from you?

Throughout my stay in Guangzhou, I noticed that the majority of people I encountered on the streets or subways were using their phones for only three activities: playing games, using WeChat (the most popular application in China), or watching TV shows. Nothing more! I vividly remember the day I saw someone receive a picture on WeChat of a person holding a phone and looking at it, which felt like a wake-up call for me.

Using a phone throughout the entire day has become a routine part of people's lives. I believe it has also become a psychological issue, as evidenced by the woman in the advertisement who is depicted using her phone, and the man in the corner who appears to be sleeping in a phone-holding position, among others. This image reminds me of Charlie Chaplin's film "Modern Times."

As you can observe, individuals are seated in the designated smoking area, yet no one is smoking. Phones have become like a nicotine addiction! People feel compelled to use their phones just as they need to smoke, and this area has become a place where individuals can indulge in their phone usage instead of smoking.

It is undeniable that smartphones have transformed our way of life, but we cannot overlook the negative impact they have on society and our personal lives. In recent years, numerous studies have identified several direct and indirect negative effects of smartphones. One such effect is loneliness, which can ultimately result in depression and social anxiety.