With cell phones now being such an integral part of our lives, the question of whether we should have our phones constantly connected or utilize airplane mode more often is an important one to consider. There are arguments on both sides of this issue, with some experts claiming that having airplane mode on all the time can offer benefits like less radiation exposure and better focus and presence. However, others argue that the connectivity provided by cell phones is too valuable to give up and that using airplane mode all day every day is unnecessary and unrealistic for most people.
What is airplane mode?
Airplane mode, sometimes also called flight mode, refers to a setting available on most cell phones, tablets, and other wireless devices that temporarily disconnects the device from cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth connections. This disables any functions that require an internet connection like calling, texting, emailing, streaming, and web browsing. However, users can still access the device’s other offline features like taking photos, playing games, listening to music, and reading ebooks.
The main purpose of airplane mode is to prevent potential interference with sensitive aircraft navigation and communication systems during flight. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all wireless devices to be in airplane mode once a plane is in flight. Beyond air travel, some people choose to use airplane mode more regularly to take periodic breaks from connectivity.
Potential benefits of having airplane mode on more
There are a few key benefits that proponents point to regarding having airplane mode enabled more regularly:
Reduced radiation exposure
Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation when connected to cellular networks and WiFi, even when not in active use. There is ongoing scientific debate about the potential health risks of long-term RF radiation exposure from cell phones. While more research is still needed, some health advocates recommend minimizing exposure when possible as a precaution. Having your phone in airplane mode eliminates RF radiation exposure from the device.
More focused attention and presence
Having constant access to email, texts, social media, and other online distractions can result in divided attention spans. Enabling airplane mode blocks incoming notifications and allows people to focus single-mindedly on their current task or environment. This can support greater efficiency, engagement, learning, and fulfillment in daily activities.
Reduced anxiety and stress
For some individuals, frequent pings, chimes, and vibration alerts from their devices can trigger stress and anxiety. By turning on airplane mode for set periods, people can take a break from the pressure to be constantly connected and available. This allows the mind to rest and recover.
Better sleep
Using screens before bedtime can negatively impact sleep quality. Keeping your phone in airplane mode overnight eliminates late night temptations to check notifications and blocks exposure to sleep-disrupting blue light from the display. This can support improved sleep health and circadian rhythms.
Increased presence with loved ones
Quality time with family and friends can sometimes be disrupted by pulling out devices to check notifications. Using airplane mode during designated relationship time blocks distractions and keeps the focus on the precious people right in front of you.
Potential downsides of having airplane mode on all the time
While using airplane mode more regularly can offer some benefits, there are also a few potential drawbacks to keeping it enabled continuously:
Loss of connectivity and access to information
Having your device in airplane mode obviously cuts off your access to any online services and information. For many people, constant connectivity is essential for tasks like navigating with GPS, making calls, checking important messages, accessing work files, staying on top of breaking news, looking up something critical in the moment, and more.
Inability to be reached in an emergency
When airplane mode is activated, you are not able to receive calls or messages from contacts trying to reach you. This could be problematic in an emergency situation where someone urgently needs to get a hold of you.
Feeling isolated and out of touch
For those who rely heavily on their devices to feel connected to friends, family, coworkers, and their wider interests, losing that link can lead to emotions like loneliness, isolation, boredom, and depression. Humans are social creatures who generally don’t thrive when cut off from community.
Missing out on events and information
Being disconnected means you may miss out on important updates, events, and news that you would have otherwise received notifications about. This could include anything from breaking news alerts to texts about family plans to notification of new emails and social media messages.
Loss of productivity
While airplane mode can help presence and focus on a singular task, having no connectivity can also hamper productivity. Quick access to online information and communication enables many people to work and carry out tasks more rapidly and efficiently.
Potential compromises between the two approaches
Rather than choosing between constant connectivity or airplane mode at all times, many people look for balanced solutions. Some potential compromises include:
Scheduled designated airplane mode blocks
You can enjoy the benefits of airplane mode during set blocks of time where it makes sense for your needs and schedule. For example, you could enable it for an hour in the morning when you want to be present drinking your coffee without distraction, a few nights a week to support better sleep, during a weekly date night to be fully present with your partner, and so on.
Only enabling certain radios
On some devices, airplane mode turns off all radios at once. However, you have the option to selectively turn off radios like WiFi and Bluetooth while keeping cellular on to still make calls and texts.
Airplane mode in certain locations
You can create location-based settings so airplane mode automatically turns on when you are in places you want to be distraction free like the gym, library, church, etc. Just don’t forget to turn it off when you leave!
Focus/do not disturb modes
Many modern devices now offer modes that silence notifications and calls from certain contacts while still allowing preset VIPs to reach you in an emergency.
Temporarily disabling select apps
You can also disable select distracting apps like email and social media while keeping basic connectivity active.
Establishing device-free zones or times
Another option is to establish zones in your home or office where devices are prohibited. Or designate daily or weekly times where everyone agrees to put their devices away.
Only checking notifications during set intervals
Rather than having notifications come through in real time, you can set your device to deliver them in batched intervals a few times a day so you aren’t constantly interrupted.
The right approach ultimately depends on your unique needs and preferences around connectivity. The goal is finding a healthy balance where you can enjoy the upsides of each mode at appropriate times.
Factors that influence the decision whether to use airplane mode more
Certain factors play a role in deciding if using airplane mode more often is right for your situation:
Your job and lifestyle needs
If you have a job where you need to be available at a moment’s notice or frequently access online data, constant connectivity is likely essential. But if you often work alone, offline, or from home, periodic airplane mode could be feasible.
Dependence on your device
How much you rely on your phone or tablet impacts your connectivity needs. If it is your primary way to access information, stay in touch, and carry out tasks, cutting that lifeline could be challenging.
Your mental health and wellbeing
If you struggle with device addiction or constant notifications exacerbate anxiety for you, more airplane mode could be beneficial. But if isolation or lack of stimulus causes stress, always being disconnected may do more harm than good.
Family and living situation
If you have kids, a partner, pets, elderly parents, or others dependent on your availability, switching off connections for long stretches is probably not realistic or wise.
Personal preferences and temperament
Some people thrive when they have a constant link to information and friends. Others crave the space and silence that airplane mode provides. Know your innate orientation.
Your age and generation
Research shows younger people tend to be more reliant on constant connectivity. As digital natives, their whole lives have been entwined with online access. Older generations may be more comfortable periodically disconnecting.
Current airplane mode usage statistics and trends
Looking at current data around how often people engage airplane mode can provide helpful perspective on normal usage patterns:
| Airplane Mode Usage Statistics |
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This data indicates the majority of people do use airplane mode periodically. But very few keep it enabled continuously. Motivations vary from practical purposes like extending battery and improving reception to values around focus, presence, and rest. While still a minority, usage does skew younger.
Potential future evolution of attitudes toward constant connectivity
It’s possible shifting tech trends may impact perspectives on airplane mode usage in the future:
More awareness of tech’s downsides
As research on device overuse and distraction matures, the public may become warier of constant connectivity’s harms. This could drive more interest in disconnecting.
Advancing tech capabilities
Improvements like 5G speed, longer battery life, and bandwidth expansions will make disconnecting seem unnecessary to many. But others may cling even tighter to airplane mode in response.
Value changes
With each generation, norms around device use evolve. If younger people begin valuing real world presence more, airplane mode adoption could grow.
Connectivity fatigue
The more immersed in tech we get, the more alluring an escape becomes. Device fatigue may send people searching for airplane mode’s refuge.
Health awareness
The health costs of excess technology like worse sleep, impaired focus, and mental health strains may motivate more moderation through airplane mode.
Societal attitudes tend to swing like a pendulum. While constant connectivity feels necessary now, the desire to disconnect may strengthen in the future as a counterbalance.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether you should have airplane mode on at all times comes down to your specific needs and what helps you live and work optimally. For most people, finding balance between the two modes is the healthiest approach long-term. Be honest about when connectivity enriches your life versus harms it, and adjust your settings accordingly. Stay open to recalibrating as circumstances change. The goal is maximizing airplane mode’s unique benefits while also retaining enough contact with the digital world to thrive. With intention and self-awareness, you can figure out the ideal flight path for you.