Have you ever looked around a quiet room full of people and realized that everyone was on their phone, entranced in whatever content they choose to keep them from interacting with their surroundings? Have you ever hung out with friends and realized they are too busy to talk to you because they must let Facebook and Twitter know that you guys are, in fact, hanging out? The eerie glow of smart phones and its users’ easy dependence has been captured in these paintings by New York City-based street artist Dan Witz.

These zombie-like works of art raise the question of technological dependence and decline of social interaction (at least in real life.)

The hypnotized gaze that Witz illustrates is strikingly peculiar, because such an entrancement generates little to no expression in the user’s fixation. It almost suggests that the constant use of smart phones leaves people in a seemingly catatonic state, or as I prefer — ZOMBIES. Maybe the tech craze is serving as baby-steps into the apocalypse!

There are plenty of reasons why someone could be attached to their phone. Smart phones are great for business and employees who are always on the job, 24/7. Social media is an easy way for marketing departments to spread word of special promotions and campaigns. And for personal reasons, people can use phones to stay in touch with family and friends. But phones are also the culprits of distraction and the go-to gadget for boredom, meaning even if we aren’t using these for legitimate purposes, are we just accustomed to holding the device no matter what? Is it taking control of our free time and rendering us addicted?

Are you attached to your phone? Do you think these paintings have a real impact?

[Image Source - Flavorwire]