GMB debates whether the Finnish island is right about BAN phones
A furious debate erupted on Good Morning Britain today over whether you should be forced to disconnect from mobile phones while on holiday.
The show’s panel discussed Finland’s decision to introduce the world’s first digital detox island.
Vacationers are not allowed to use their devices on the island of Ulko-Tammio, in the eastern Gulf of Finland.
Presenter Carina White was all for the move, saying people should be given the chance to unplug and be in the present, rather than scrolling away on their phones.
But business owner and single mother Geeta Sighu-Robb said she didn’t need “Big Brother” to tell her what to do, and that her phone had given her the most freedom.
Business owner and single mother Geeta Sighu-Robb said she didn’t need ‘Big Brother’ to tell her when to use her phone as Good Morning Britain discussed Finland’s decision to launch the world’s first digital detox island
Dan Shephard and Ranvir Singh chaired the discussion between the two women.
Geeta explained that she saw her phone as a tool like shoes or a washing machine and said, “It’s a tool, I don’t have to step on it.”
“As a single parent and business owner, the smartphone is the greatest thing of freedom that has ever happened in my life,” she added.
“It’s the way I use it that we should talk about, as opposed to whether I should use it or not.”
The businesswoman was convinced she didn’t need anyone to tell her what to do.
“I’m an adult, I can totally decide when I want my phone on and off,” she said.
And she added that her device gives her peace of mind when it comes to her children and family.
“I can run my business, my 89-year-old mother can yell at me when she runs out of food, my kids can do what they do…
“I know everyone is fine, and I put the phone down,” she said.
Presenter Carina White, right, was all for the move, saying people should be given the chance to unplug and be in the present, rather than scrolling away on their phones.
Geeta explained that she believes how you use your phone is important rather than being forced to give it away
Carina took a different approach, saying she agreed with Finland’s move after spending two weeks on holiday without internet with her daughter, who is 13.
“When we were there, I absolutely refused to pay for data roaming, especially for her,” she explains.
“When we got home, back to our family, she was able to connect to Wi-Fi and use the data, but it really meant she was present in the moment,” she added.
“She was still able to use her phone to take pictures, to record memories, which is very important.
“But she couldn’t scroll through social media or listen to music with her earbuds in, which she usually does,” she added.
Dan Shephard and Ranvir Singh listened to both women as they faced each other in the debate this morning
She added: “That’s why I think it’s really important that people have the opportunity to disconnect digitally.”
Carina added that her daughter also enjoyed being with her family in the present.
But Geeta countered that the problem with phones is how we use them, adding: ‘We use it for different things.
“I could stream yoga, an audiobook, I don’t use my phone to be on social media.”
“I think that’s just become part of parenting, like we’re not allowed to use phones at the dinner table,” she said.
“When we pay attention to the mindset change, we don’t need that Big Brother approach of ‘This is what’s good for you’,” she added.
Ranvir tried to explain the concept of the phoneless vacation saying, “This is about imposing control over your behavior to improve your experience.”
Geeta replied, ‘I don’t need that. I’m an adult.
“I do it for myself and I do it for my children. And if someone is having trouble living their own life, you should go all the way to Finland and let someone tell you what to do.
“But how about just staying home and telling yourself what to do,” she added.
Some viewers at home thought a phone-less holiday was a good idea, but added that they don’t like being forced to give up their device
Carina pointed out that some people struggle to manage their time online.
‘I think that’s very difficult. That’s why we have life coaches, why we have people who can guide people towards mindset changes and how to manage time, etc.
“I think it’s really important for people to understand and deal with the impact of too much device usage,” she added.
“It’s not being able to tell them, ‘When you’re at home, this is what you do,’ it’s about encouraging them when they’re on vacation to carve out that time,” she added.
Watching it at home, some viewers agreed that the idea of a phone-less vacation was appealing.
It’s not a bad idea to go on vacation without your phone. But if I was forced, I wouldn’t want it,” said one.