Have you ever found yourself looking down at your phone, oblivious to the world around you?
You’re not alone. It is common today to see people so focused on the small screen in their hand that they don’t notice basic things happening around them – such as a traffic light changing colour.
Tired of seeing pedestrians ignoring the signals on the traffic lights above their phones, the city of Seoul in South Korea has come up with a novel way to keep phone-gazers engaged with their surroundings.
A video has gone viral this week of LED lights on the corner of the footpath changing from red to green.
@naturalkorean #seoul #korea #southkorea #bts #army ♬ Butter – 방탄소년단 (BTS)
Apparently, the lights have been created to combat the ‘smombie’ phenomenon in South Korea – a term used to describe the way in which smartphones can turn people into zombies.
And while the added safety of the traffic lights should be applauded, some questioned what the need for this innovation means for society.
“Im a phone addict but this do be too much,” said one user.
“Nah that’s sad,” said another.
Others applauded the innovative move.
“It id kinda genius but at the same time why people must stare at their phones 24/7 while walking,” said one commenter.
“This is how society should work. Adapt to the people without judging,” said another.
