LOVE LETTERS TO TANZANIA: 'Out of touch' can be good for health

So many readers responded to my article about traffic accidents caused by mobile phone distractions.

It is alarming how frequently they observe the consequences of thoughtless phone use on Tanzania’s roads, including serious accidents. However, it is also reassuring that many citizens advocate for a change in drivers’ risky habits.

As readers pointed out, the unreasonable expectation of employers and others that we should be contactable at all times contributes to dangerous driver distractions. I agree. I have also been told that one of my irritating habits is to turn off my phone for what callers consider no valid reason.

The other scorned habit is not dealing with messages, the missed call symbol or emails until hours or even days later.

I tend to avoid social faux-pas, breaches in etiquette which may offend others. However, when did being out of range become one of the top behaviours which insult or irritate friends, acquaintances – even strangers? The opinions on what constitutes a social blunder differ.

Many members of my generation consider it a sign of respect to turn off mobile phones when entertaining guests and ignore incoming messages whilst in conversation, but the actual callers may have a different perspective. Should we give in to the demands of those who want us to be available at all times?

Experience has taught me that the world keeps turning if I am offline - that I rarely miss much when the battery is flat or the server down. Living in an area with poor reception, I cherish times when no calls or messages get through.

These absolve me from the obligation to answer emails, forward meaningless WhatsApp messages or return non-urgent phone calls immediately because a speedy response is simply expected.

I may not get breaking news until they are no longer the “latest”. Just like years ago, when my flip-phone had no internet access, when having visitors was a good reason to ignore a text message.

It was considered polite to enjoy a special event, holiday or celebration by being fully present and recount the experience to others later, rather than snubbing those present to share with online circles.

Does anyone still take mental pictures of events, record a special moment in their memory?

Does being able to charge a phone even in a safari tent in the middle of the Serengeti mean that we should feel obliged to do so? Accustomed to the instantaneous nature of mobile phone interactions, we find flat batteries irritating and feel ignored or insecure if we cannot reach someone.

Have we become addicted to the constant reassurance of our connectedness? Should we act paranoid if our partner does not respond immediately to missed calls or text messages?

Often it is worth waiting for a real conversation. Despite their many advantages, text messages and online posts are no substitutes for looking into someone’s eyes. Scientific evidence suggests that it is much healthier to switch off occasionally.

Being constantly connected correlates with higher blood pressure and heart attack risk. Not to mention the number of people who die taking selfies in inappropriate places to impress their virtual circles.

It is very liberating to take a walk or a weekend trip with your phone turned off. Nothing more romantic than a couple talking while dining out, instead of ignoring each other whilst preoccupied with their phones.

In transit, fellow travellers’ faces and life in general offer interesting stories which we miss if glued to our phones. Taking a holiday from our constant connectivity can be empowering.

The sky will not fall down if we disconnect for a few hours. Instead, talking face-to-face with others about their experiences instead of scrolling through their social media posts will reward us with more meaningful relationships.

Instead of feeling guilty when disconnected, we should encourage others to also switch off once in a while.