I spend a pretty decent amount of my time people watching. I people watch on my way to class, in class, at red lights. If you’re reading this in the Quad, I’m probably watching you right now.
Just kidding — that’s totally creepy. If I haven’t scared you away yet, allow me to talk about one of the observations I’ve made while people watching. 
People use their cellphones a lot.
Texting, social media, Internet, GPS — cellphones aren’t just phones anymore. They help connect us to the rest of the world. 
This world fits conveniently inside our pockets, unless you have one of those huge Galaxy phones. Those will probably stick out of your pocket a little.
Cellphones have turned into such a constant part of our lives that frequently checking them has become a subconscious act. It’s habitual and doesn’t really require any active thinking. 
Have you ever been doing something important, like studying, only to suddenly realize that you’re on your phone and you don’t even remember how or why you got there?
Yeah, me too.
There have been times where I start using my phone for no apparent reason. I’ll just be there, checking all my different apps, only to realize there are no updates. There’s nothing new to look at, but I’m still doing it.
We all know what it’s like to be at a restaurant with a friend only to realize that you’re both just sitting there on your phones, staring into nothingness.
Or maybe you’re in class. And you really want to pay attention, but deep down, all you’re thinking about is whether or not that guy you have a crush on has liked your Instagram photo.
So instead of being respectful to your teachers, you decide you’ll check your phone every 5 minutes for the rest of the day. 
Checking our phones is a temptation that most people don’t even bother to resist. 
And then there’s the problem of people using their phones while driving, which is clearly a dangerous thing to do. And people know that, but everyone reading this has probably done it at least once.
The temptation to check our phones follows us everywhere. 
We’re so accustomed to using our phones, that when we aren’t using them, something feels off.
If you’ve ever accidentally left your phone at home, you know what I’m talking about. Being on campus without a phone feels like walking around naked. 
All cellphone users need is a little self-awareness. Everyone should take a critical look at how much they use their phones, and whether or not it’s a problem. 
If you don’t check your phone every 5 minutes, it’ll still be there. Your messages will still be there, your notifications, your emails, tweets, everything — it can wait. 
Cellphones are a necessity. I don’t know what I would do without mine. I also know that I don’t need to use it as much as I do, and I’m always making an effort to minimize it. 
If you aren’t always using your phone, it might open your eyes to things you didn’t notice before, like how much people use their phones. 
I feel like I’m getting a little redundant, so I’ll cut to the chase: The next time you get that urge to check your phone for no reason, especially while you’re driving, suppress it. Instead, take the time to look at the world around you, not the screen in your pocket. Talk to your friend at the restaurant, or maybe actually pay attention in class. 
There’s a world outside your phone, too. 
Shirin Chowdhury is a 20-year-old English junior from Manhattan, Kansas. You can reach her on Twitter @TDR_schowd.