Most of Your Screen Time—And Do You Even Feel Bad About It?
“Technology is a wonderful servant but a terrible master.”
— Christian Lous Lange
Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in excellent health, high spirits, and with a smile on your face.
Today’s writing prompt made me pause and reflect:
“What app eats up most of your screen time—and do you even feel bad about it?”
At first glance, it seems like a simple question. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it isn’t really about an app. It is about how we spend the precious hours of our lives.
Every day, each of us receives the same gift—24 hours. Some of those hours disappear into our mobile phones.
The real question is not how much time we spend on our screens, but whether that time adds value to our lives.
The Smartphone: A Mirror of Our Priorities
Our smartphones have quietly become our diaries, libraries, classrooms, cameras, newspapers, music players, and meeting places—all rolled into one.
If someone looked at our screen-time report, they might discover more about our interests than they would by reading our résumé.
- Some spend hours shopping.
- Some lose themselves in games.
- Some scroll endlessly through social media.
- And some of us spend our digital hours learning, creating, reading, teaching, and connecting.
Our screen habits often reflect who we are becoming.
“Show me your screen time, and I will show you your priorities.”
The Apps That Fill My Day
When I checked my own phone, I found a familiar group of companions.
❤️WordPress – My Creative Home
For me, WordPress occupies the largest share of my screen time.
Since retiring from banking, blogging has become one of life’s greatest blessings. Every morning I write, edit, publish, read fellow bloggers’ posts, and reply to thoughtful comments from readers across the globe.
- Each blog is not merely an article.
- It is a conversation.
- It is an opportunity to inspire and to be inspired.
Writing has transformed my retirement into a meaningful second innings.
“A blog is not just a website; it is a window into the writer’s heart.”
❤️YouTube – The World’s Largest Classroom
Many people think YouTube is only about entertainment.
I see something much bigger.
It teaches me painting techniques, meditation practices, storytelling, photography, artificial intelligence, health tips, history, music, and countless other subjects.
At sixty-plus, I still enjoy being a student.
Learning keeps the mind young.
As the saying goes,
“The day we stop learning is the day we stop growing.”
❤️WhatsApp – Keeping Hearts Connected
Families today often live in different cities—and sometimes different countries.
WhatsApp has become the bridge that keeps those distances small.
- Friends share memories.
- Readers send encouraging messages.
- Former colleagues reconnect.
- Family members celebrate birthdays, festivals, and achievements together.
A simple message saying, “Good morning” may seem ordinary, yet it reminds us that someone thought of us today.
And that matters.
❤️Goodreads – Fuel for a Lifelong Learner
Books have always been faithful companions.
Goodreads helps me track my reading journey, discover remarkable authors, review books, and stay committed to my annual reading goals.
Every finished book leaves me richer than before.
As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam beautifully said,
“Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.”
❤️Google Photos – A Journey Through Time
Sometimes Google Photos surprises me with memories from years ago.
- A family celebration.
- A painting completed after hours of patient effort.
- A journey to a beautiful destination.
- A childhood photograph.
Suddenly, yesterday returns.
Photographs quietly remind us that while time never stops, memories never truly disappear.
“We do not remember days; we remember moments.”
— Cesare Pavese
Do I Feel Guilty?
Honestly…
No.
Not because I spend little time on my phone—but because I try to spend it with purpose.
If my screen helps me write…
learn…
read…
create…
encourage someone…
or stay connected with loved ones…
Then I consider it time invested rather than time wasted.
However, balance is essential.
No screen should replace:
- a refreshing morning walk,
- a heartfelt family conversation,
- a printed book,
- the beauty of a sunrise,
- a game of table tennis,
- a swim,
- or simply sitting quietly with our own thoughts.
Technology should enrich our lives—not imprison them.
A Small Daily Reflection
Every evening I ask myself a simple question:
“Did today’s screen time make me a better human being?”
- Did I learn something new?
- Did I encourage someone?
- Did I create something meaningful?
- Did I smile?
If the answer is “Yes,” I put away my phone with gratitude instead of guilt.
My Final Thoughts
The greatest danger today is not the smartphone itself.
It is living unconsciously.
The apps on our phones are merely tools.
One person may waste hours scrolling without purpose.
Another may use the very same device to learn a new language, write a book, paint a masterpiece, comfort a friend, or inspire thousands of readers.
The difference is never the technology.
The difference is the intention behind its use.
As I grow older, I no longer measure my days by how busy they were.
I measure them by how meaningful they were.
If my phone helps me learn, write, connect, and contribute, I have no reason to feel guilty.
Instead, I feel grateful to live in an age where knowledge, creativity, and friendship are literally at our fingertips.
Let me end with one of my favorite thoughts:
“Don’t count the hours you spend on your phone. Count the memories you create, the wisdom you gain, and the lives you touch because of it.”
What about you, dear friends?
Which app quietly occupies most of your screen time?
More importantly…
Is it stealing your time—or helping you build a better life?
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Until next time…
Be Happy… Be Active… Be Focused… Be Alive…
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www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: infotainment
Retiredकलम 
Love my walks and am always with a printed book since being a child! My Mom taught me that reading was a true way of relaxing.
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What a beautiful lifelong gift your mom gave you. Walking refreshes the body, and a printed book nourishes the mind and soul. There is something timeless about turning the pages of a real book—the feel, the scent, and the quiet escape it offers.
Your mother’s wisdom has clearly stayed with you, and it’s wonderful that reading continues to be your favorite way to relax. Thank you for sharing such a lovely memory.
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You gave real value to your browsing history without making yourself feel guilty. 👏🏻👏🏻
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Thank you so much! I believe technology should serve our lives, not control them. If our screen time helps us learn, create, connect, or inspire others, there’s no reason to feel guilty. It’s all about using our time with purpose. I truly appreciate your thoughtful observation.
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My screen time is mostly blogging.
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That’s a wonderful way to spend your screen time! Blogging is more than just writing—it’s about sharing ideas, preserving memories, inspiring others, and building meaningful connections. Time spent creating and encouraging others is rarely time wasted.
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Very true my friend. I only have to convince my children now 😜
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😄 That’s the real challenge, isn’t it? Every generation has to discover some truths in its own way. We can share our experiences and gently guide them, but they often learn best through their own journeys. Until then, a little patience, a little humor, and lots of love usually work better than persuasion! 😊
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Yes indeed. Parents are treated like children who need their screen time monitored 😂
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Thanks for sharing your feedings.
Stay happy and blessed.
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Thanks 🙏🏼
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You are welcome.
Stay happy and keep sharing..
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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Good afternoon.
I hope you enjoying the day .
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Thanks
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You are welcome.
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My phone is my camera and I love taking photos, some of which I send to friends with updates on things that interest them. I message friends and my sister in Australia and do word games with them. So time not wasted.
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I couldn’t agree more. Your phone is much more than a screen—it’s a camera that captures beautiful moments, a bridge that keeps you connected with loved ones across the world, and a source of fun through shared word games. When technology helps us preserve memories, strengthen relationships, and bring a little joy to each day, it’s time well spent, not time wasted. Thank you for sharing your lovely perspective.
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Very well said. I look forward to your though everyday since I found your blog. We also operate very similar. I wonder if it the age and both retired.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. They truly mean a great deal to me. I’m delighted that you enjoy my daily thoughts. Perhaps retirement does give us the time and perspective to appreciate life’s simple joys and reflect a little more deeply. Whatever the reason,
I’m grateful our paths have crossed through blogging, and I always look forward to reading your thoughtful insights as well.
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very nice.
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Thank you so much.
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Today is no screen time with our three year old so we are making our own fun. I do like Good Reads but am trying to switch to something not owned be a gazillionaire.
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That sounds like the best kind of day! 😊 Time spent making memories with a three-year-old is far more valuable than anything on a screen. Their curiosity and imagination have a wonderful way of reminding us to enjoy the simple things in life.
I understand your thoughts about Goodreads too. Whatever platform you choose, I hope it continues to support your love of reading. Wishing you a day filled with laughter, stories, and precious moments together.
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Such a beautiful and thoughtful reflection Verma ji🤍. I loved the reminder that it’s not our screen time that matters most, but the intention behind how we use it. Your question, “Did today’s screen time make me a better human being?” really stayed with me. A truly inspiring read that encourages us to use technology to learn, create, connect, and make life more meaningful. 🦋✨
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Thank you so much for your heartfelt words. 🤍 I’m truly touched that the question resonated with you. I believe technology is neither good nor bad in itself—it simply reflects how we choose to use it. If our screen time helps us learn, create, encourage, or strengthen relationships, then it becomes an investment rather than a distraction.
I’m grateful you connected with the message, and your thoughtful feedback has made my day. Thank you for reading and sharing your reflections.
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This is so true. We may complain about the evils of the internet, but there is so much for us to delve into.
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Absolutely! Like any tool, the internet depends on how we choose to use it. While it certainly has its downsides, it also offers endless opportunities to learn, connect, create, and discover new ideas.
I’m grateful for the friendships, knowledge, and inspiration I’ve found online. The key is to use it mindfully and make the most of what it has to offer.
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This prompt was a fun one! 😄
You bring up a good point about phone usage: spend time on your phone and apps with purpose. 💯
So many people spend too much time on their phones and apps that take away from their life offline. But if we focus on using our phones for a good purpose, then I think that can really change things in a positive way.
I love YouTube, too! My favorite content to watch are cooking, gardening, homesteading, decorating ideas for small homes, and day in the life from around the world.
I love learning from other cultures and seeing what life is like in other countries. 😊🙏🏽💜
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Thank you so much! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the prompt.
I completely agree—our phones are wonderful tools when we use them intentionally rather than letting them use us. It’s all about choosing content that enriches our lives instead of simply filling our time.
You have excellent taste in YouTube content! I also enjoy watching videos about cooking, gardening, and everyday life in different parts of the world. They remind us that, despite our different cultures and traditions, we all share similar hopes, joys, and challenges.
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I agree with you, Sir V. There’s nothing to feel guilty about your choices and use of the apps you listed. You are very intentional in your screentime, not just doomscrolling. You create, learn, connect, and remember. Those are valuable human activities, whether offline or online. I should learn from you. In my case, I’m guilty of doomscrolling on Facebook and Instagram. It’s not productive, huhuhuhu.
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Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I truly believe technology is a wonderful servant when we use it with purpose rather than letting it use us. And please don’t be too hard on yourself—we’ve all found ourselves doomscrolling at times! 😊
The important thing is that you’re aware of it, and awareness is the first step toward change. Even small shifts from consuming to creating can make a big difference. Wishing you many more meaningful moments, both online and offline. Keep shining! 🙏🌸
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