You will see many people holding their smartphones in their hands, and walking sluggishly and letharically like zombies out in the streets. Those kind of people are called Smombies, combining the word, Smartphone+Zombies. Smartphone addiction is a huge problem globally, especially in South Korea. It causes many problems in various ways, such as disturb to the schoolwork and health problems. Smombies are worse, since they can cause car accidents and make major damages on society. However, new inventions for Smombies have been recently introduced, which are very innovative and fantastic.
The first one I will introduce is the 'Alternative Smartphone', invented by Clemens Schiller. This was invented for those who are having troubles because of smartphone withdrawal. Smarthone withdrawal is a phenomenon that happens when people use their smartphone too much. When without their smartphones, it will cause them to have anxiety, insomnia, and even depression. Sometimes they unconsciously move their fingers rapidly as if they are typing. Schiller's 'Alternative Smartphone' is designed in a black rectangular form factor with five round and small balls built into it. Smartphone addicts can use it instead of smartphones and scroll or swipe the ball instead of the screen. It is intended to help you get out of situations where you touch your smartphone unnecessarily and habitually.
The second one I will introuduce is the Sidekicks invented by Matteo Bandi. There are four types of this work called Sidekicks: an alarm clock, a projector, a speaker, and a stand, which only works when a smartphone is inserted and left unattended. When a user tries to see a smartphone, the functions of these products stop. Bandi selected items used especially when smartphone use could interfere and produced them. In the case of stands, it helps to concentrate when working at a desk, and the speaker is designed to fully enjoy the break time without disturbing the smartphone. The projector is designed to prevent a situation where a shining smartphone screen distracts you when watching a movie with others, and the alarm clock is designed to sleep well without a smartphone at the end of the day.
The deviced only work when connected to the smartphone. However, if you try to operate a smartphone at this time, it stops working. The four items are controlled through the app, and when you plug in the user's smartphone, it shows the cell phone usage time that day and starts working. The user may set a target time for using the mobile phone, and when this is achieved, each device provides compensation to the user through a hidden function. For example, a projector prints customized outputs, and a desk stand celebrates success with colorful light.
The last item I will introduce you, is the Smombie Line. It's a LED lighted-line on the ground that signs for red and green light on the crosswalk. Since Smombies cause car accidents because they only stares at their phone, facing the ground, they can't see the traffic light well. But the Smombie Line makes them easy to find out whether it's red or green light. This invention is already on the streets, so you will find them out easily when you pass a crosswalk.
Today, I talked about smartphone addiction problems and the wonderful inventions to prevent them. If you are a Smombie, why don't you get one of these great items and use them right now?
I am a smombie smometimes 😅
there is the smombie line right in front of our house! In the sa-ger-ry. Rachel and Eugene will know. But my dad says it’s not good because if you rely too much on the line, a law breaking car might just pass by and kill you.