5 reasons people can’t live without their devices

MANILA, Philippines – We live in a world that’s becoming increasingly connected by the day, one where everything is literally at the palm of our hand.

To say that you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone disconnected from their smartphones, tablets, and other similar devices these days is hardly an overstatement. There are 7.5 billion active mobile active mobile subscriptions – bigger than the total global population – and this number is still expected to rise.

It’s amazing how these cold, inanimate chunks of metal and plastic have become such integral part of our lives, that even the thought of going through a day without them can elicit horrified gasps from many.

But before you dismiss this as an unnecessary extravagance, think about it. These devices do so much for us. They’re what wake us up in the morning, help us stay connected with colleagues and perform tasks, guide us to our destination, help document important events with – it’s even what we use to book rides to and from home!

Our devices have been delivering more personal benefits than what they’re originally made for.

Bridge distances

We all know someone living or working abroad – a former classmate or colleague, an old neighbor, even someone really close to us like a friend, a family member, or a relative. Where we used to fill the spaces they left with long distance phone calls, we now do so with phone calls, texts, instant messages, and even video calls using the many apps on our devices.

Keeping tabs on everyone’s daily lives is no longer impossible, either. All we have to do is log in on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat and see what everyone is up to, often in real time. Though we may be separated by hundreds, if not thousands, of miles, it almost feels like we’re all sitting together in one room.

Unwind and recharge

We use smartphones, tablets, and other devices not only at work but at play as well. To de-stress, many of us now would simply close or minimize the window or app we’re doing our work on and switch to streaming sites like YouTube and Netflix to catch up on our favorite video or TV series, to apps like iTunes and Spotify to put on good music, or to gaming apps like Clash Royale and Monument Valley. In no time, we’ll be recharged and ready to go back to our tasks.

Learn new things

Information can easily acquired now thanks to the Internet – from make-up tutorials on YouTube to studies on academic journals and literally everything in between. There are thousands of video series, podcasts, and educational articles available on any topic imaginable. You can even sign up for online classes and receive a certificate or degree from colleges and universities that offer it wherever you may be, on whatever device you’re using.

Showcase talents

The television is no longer the only platform to wow everyone with your talents. Today you can film yourself doing or talking about the thing you are most passionate about, edit your video, and share it with your friends and followers online on your channel of choice – all with one device.

Be rewarded

It’s also easier to win free stuff online. You can be scrolling through your Twitter or Facebook feed and you’ll chance upon a post encouraging followers to share it for a chance at winning prizes such as gift certificates to cafes and restaurants, books, and even all-expense paid trips to dream destinations here and abroad.

Purchasing a new device can bring you free treats that you can even enjoy with your family or barkada, too. Smart Bro, in partnership with Jollibee, is giving away favorites such as Chickenjoy meals, vanilla cone twirls, and chocolate sundaes with every purchase of Smart Bro Prepaid device, SIM, or postpaid plan, or by loading SurfMax Load Cards with the #SmartBroTreats promo.

This promo runs from December 9, 2016 to January 31, 2017. For more details, visit www.smart.com.ph/bro/jollibee. – Rappler.com