On any given day, how often do we check our smartphones? According to a survey conducted by Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, we check out phone 150 times a day. In an international poll taken by Time magazine, one in four people check their phone ‘‘every 30 minutes, 1 in 5 people every 10 minutes.[i]’’  In a world where we are arguably more connected than ever, we seem more isolated from one another than ever before. Deloitte predicts that by 2020, no smartphone user will use their device for making and receiving calls[ii]. Indeed, we rarely use our phones to even speak to one another now and as a consequence we are increasing feeling alone in a crowd, globally digitised and magnified exponentially.

This ‘death of conversation’ notion is being felt in our personal lives as well as work. How does one cultivate a creative, thriving office environment when no one is talking? This is also felt during interaction with those closest to us. Clareville Communications know the importance of face to face interactions in the world of work. With extensive experience in multiple sectors, including exhibitions we craft bespoke global campaigns that engage, inspire and create increased, sustained market share.

How many times have we reached for our smartphone when conversation lapses for more than a few seconds? Having been out to dinner with a group of friends recently, I observed how simply answering a text led to a withdrawal of roughly 2 minutes as they not only replied but checked every application installed.

Below are some top tips designed to help you tear yourself away from your smartphone:

1.    Delete your social media apps! I know this is tough, but it is life affirming. People post only the best of themselves/events/experiences and will only cause you to become envious and depressed.

2.    Give yourself a set number of times you can check your phone per day and stick to it.

3.    Keep it in one place. Easy access to information and connectivity can be addictive, as such keeping your phone out of easy reach will prevent you regressing when bored.

4.    Buy a flip phone. You remember those things?

5.    When in social settings everyone put their phones in a communal place. The first person caught looking at their smartphone pays a previously agreed penalty.

If all else fails, there is always the nuclear option:

Go cold turkey and leave your phone at home.

Babycake Romero captures couples apparently more in love with their smartphones than each other.