Title: The Rise of Do Not Disturb Mode: Setting Boundaries in a Smartphone-Addicted World
In a world where smartphones constantly demand our attention with notifications, one woman has found a way to create some much-needed space for herself. Annie Wu Henry, a 28-year-old digital strategist, hasn’t received a notification on her phone in two years. Calls go straight to voicemail, apps vibrate their updates into the ether, and texts pile up silently. This is all thanks to the Do Not Disturb mode on her phone.
Do Not Disturb mode acts as a modern-day away message for smartphone users, signaling to those who contact you that you may take a while to return their messages. For Ms. Henry, it’s a way to manage expectations and communicate that she’s simply busy. “If it’s important, they will find a way to get in touch with me,” she explains.
The use of Do Not Disturb mode has become increasingly popular as people seek to limit their screen time and establish boundaries with their devices. Sean Grover, a psychotherapist, compares it to putting up a “Do Not Enter” sign, creating a virtual barrier between oneself and the constant barrage of notifications.
While some may see Do Not Disturb mode as a hindrance to communication and hospitality, others like Zoe Marzo see it as a necessary defense mechanism. “There’s an assumption that because we have our phones with us all the time, there is an entitlement to people’s time,” she says. “We need to have our own personal space.”
Clinical counselor Nicholette Leanza acknowledges that the constant use of Do Not Disturb mode may be a sign of avoidance or a deeper issue. However, for Ms. Henry, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Despite missing out on some notifications, she appreciates the grace it gives her to respond to the many demands on her attention.
In a world where smartphones are built for addiction, Do Not Disturb mode offers a way to reclaim control and set boundaries in a smartphone-addicted world. As Ms. Henry puts it, “It just gives me a little grace.”
