A woman from southwestern China won a unique competition to spend eight hours without using her mobile phone, remaining calm and anxiety-free during the period, for which she was rewarded with 10,000 yuan (approximately Rs. 1,16,000).
The competition was held on 29 November at Chongqing Shopping Center; the organizers shortlisted ten applicants out of 100 contestants. The test was not rocket science; the applicants would have to sit on a specific bed for eight hours straight without using their mobile phones and other electronic devices such as iPads and laptops. They should keep themselves from using any technology devices but still remain composed and relax.
Rules Of Competition
The rules were quite strict, where participants were asked to surrender their mobile phones at the start. Emergency phones were available to the participants for contacting family members, but only basic models that could make calls. Participants were allowed only five minutes of toilet break. The participants were also under observation regarding their sleep and anxiety levels by using wrist straps. Contestants were prohibited from falling into deep sleep or showing anxiety, with most choosing to read or relax during the event. Drinks and meals were provided as they stayed in bed.
This competition was more of mental endurance than physical activity. After careful evaluation, a woman surnamed Dong emerged as the winner, scoring an impressive 88.99 out of 100. She spent the longest time in bed, avoided deep sleep, and displayed the least anxiety during the challenge.
Prize Money: 10,000-Yuan
Dong, a sales manager for a finance firm, took the 10,000-yuan prize money and overnight became a sensation in Chinese social media; she has been nicknamed “pyjama sister” due to what she wore when collecting the prize. Her other life: she does not have much of a phone and hardly ever has time to tutor her child.
Although the contest, which took place at a mattress and bedding outlet, has been widely covered, it is not yet known who sponsored the event or what the event was even for. However, the no-phone challenge has brought discussions across mainland China to a wider audience.
