Have you ever wondered what your phone would say about you if it were called to testify as a character witness in a court of law, under oath? Hmmm… Maybe it’s time to pause and think about that. In this digital age, where our phones have become extensions of ourselves, the way we choose, treat, and use these devices can say a lot about who we are—both in how we interact with the world and how we treat those around us. Let’s delve into some lessons we could learn if our phones were human and able to talk.
*The Choice: What Drives Your Decisions?*
Let’s start with how you chose your phone in the first place. Was it a deliberate decision based on affordability, practicality, or functionality? Or was it simply a compromise because you couldn’t afford the one you truly wanted? Perhaps you dreamt of a more expensive phone, one with more features or a flashier brand. If your phone could talk, would it testify that you only chose it because of limited funds, or would it say you sought out a device that met your needs without caring about superficial status?
Now, think about how this parallels your relationships with people. Do you choose to surround yourself with individuals based on their wealth, status, or appearance, or do you value them for their character, compatibility, and shared goals? If your phone could draw a comparison, would it accuse you of shallow choices, or praise you for valuing substance over form?
*Discrimination vs. Inclusivity*
When you chose your phone, did you consider its color, size, or brand? Some people discriminate between phones based on their looks, preferring sleek designs or prestigious names over functionality. What if your phone could link this behavior to how you interact with people? Would it accuse you of treating people differently based on their color, ethnicity, or background? Or would it praise you for being inclusive and open-minded?
A phone, much like people, comes in various forms—some more sophisticated, others more straightforward, but all with their own unique purpose. If your phone could speak, would it highlight your ability to see the value in others beyond the surface, or would it reveal a tendency to judge based on appearances?
*Treatment: Care, Obsession, or Neglect?*
How have you treated your phone since you got it? Will it complain about being tossed carelessly into bags, dropped frequently, or abandoned for the latest model? Or will it testify to an obsessive attachment, where you can’t put it down, even at the cost of spending time with loved ones or attending to more pressing matters?
Phones, much like relationships, need balance. Too much attachment can lead to obsession; too little care can lead to neglect. If your phone could testify, would it reveal you as someone who knows how to balance your attention between different aspects of your life, or as someone whose possessiveness strains relationships?
This comparison forces us to ask: how do we treat the people in our lives? Are we neglectful, only reaching out when we need something? Are we too possessive, smothering them with attention until it becomes unhealthy? Or are we balanced, giving the right amount of care without losing focus on other important areas?
*Secrets: The Power of What Your Phone Knows*
Think about the personal information stored on your phone. Photos, messages, location history, and browsing activity—your phone knows more about you than many people do. It holds your secrets: the conversations you’ve had in private, the gossip you’ve spread, the relationships you’ve formed or hidden, and the moments of success or failure you’ve kept to yourself.
What would your phone say about how you use it to uplift or malign others? Would it expose the harmful gossip, the lies, abuse of others, or the hurtful words you’ve sent out through its screen? Or would it praise you for using it as a tool for kindness, sending messages of love, encouragement, and support?
Phones are mirrors of our intentions. They amplify whatever we pour into them—whether good or bad. Are you using your phone as a weapon or a tool for positive impact? The same could be said about how we use our voices and our actions in real life.
*Learning from Your Phone: How to Treat Others Better*
Here’s the big takeaway: if we treated our relationships the way we care for our phones, the world might just be a better place. What if we gave people the kind of attention we give to keeping our devices updated, charged, and secure? What if we were as careful with others’ feelings as we are with protecting the data on our phones?
Think about how phones, despite their imperfections and wear, serve us faithfully as long as we care for them. Likewise, people—no matter their imperfections—thrive in environments of care, respect, and understanding. Just as your phone can’t function well without regular updates and attention, relationships also require ongoing care, effort, and kindness to flourish.
*Final Thoughts*
Imagine, for a moment, that your phone was called to testify in a court of law. What would it say about your character? Would it speak of a person who values substance over status? Someone who doesn’t discriminate based on appearances but seeks out deeper connections? Would it reveal someone who maintains balance and fairness in their relationships, or would it tell a story of obsession, neglect, or discrimination?
Phones, like people, are only as valuable as the way we treat them. And just as we care for our phones to make sure they serve us well, we should care for the people in our lives with the same respect and mindfulness. When we learn to value both material possessions and relationships in a healthy, balanced way, we contribute to making the world a kinder, more understanding place.
In the end, if your phone could testify about you, make sure it would have good things to say.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst.
