Gareth O'Callaghan: In a world of constant connection, our phones are doing our thinking for us

We’ve lost what we once called free time, when we would read and reflect, or escape into our thoughts and memories

Phones prevent us from reflecting or escaping into our memories or fantasies, or from daydreaming.

I received a text from an old friend. It was his reminder that he won’t be contactable by phone for November: No calls, no Whatsapps, no jokes. No contact unless it’s urgent. He does this every year.

Tom, a writer and retired teacher, calls this his time for dealing with ideas, rather than events. He loves November. “I find inspiration in the falling leaves and the crisp air. This month is lost on me if I’m constantly watching my phone,” he says.