IS Smartphone Making us Smarter or Distracted?

Story by IMENA Gislain

In Rwanda today, smartphones are everywhere. You can see people using them in buses, on the streets, in schools, and even in churches. Many people use phones to talk to friends, take pictures, or watch videos. But there is a big question: are smartphones helping Rwandans become smarter, or are they making people more distracted?

For many young people, smartphones have been very helpful. Students use them to join online classes, search for information, or learn new skills like video editing or language. Even in rural areas, some young people use phones to watch tutorials and grow their talents. Others create videos, post them online, and even make money. Some Rwandans have become famous just by using their phones well.

But phones also bring problems. Many students say they get distracted easily. Instead of reading or doing homework, they spend hours on TikTok or WhatsApp. Some people cannot sit for 10 minutes without checking their phones. This affects school performance and focus.

Using phones too much can also affect your health. People stay up late at night on their phones and don’t get enough sleep. Others feel sad or stressed after seeing other people’s perfect lives on Instagram or Facebook. And sometimes, even when friends or family are together, they don’t talk—they are just on their phones.

That doesn’t mean phones are bad. They can be very useful if used the right way. People can set limits on how much time they spend on social media. They can turn off some notifications to help focus. It's also good to take short breaks from screens, especially during meals or before sleeping.

In the end, smartphones are just tools. They don’t control us—we control them. In Rwanda, more people are using smartphones every day. So we must learn how to use them to grow, not to waste time.

Smartphones can help us learn, connect, and succeed—but only if we are wise.