Cell phones: necessary or nuisance?
@vicneedscoffee (1259)
United States
May 20, 2008 2:24am CST
Let me start by stating I have a cellphone. I rarely use it, as a matter of fact, it is off more than it is on. I am definitely not a luddite, but I have a phone with very few extra features. I do like being able to make a call if I need information, but I don't like being tied down to a phone.
Lately I notice people around me (friends and family) are on the phone ALL the time. I have a few friends and relatives that can't go a half hour without making or receiving a call. When the phone rings they answer, it doesn't matter if we are in the middle of a dinner or serious talk. If I clear my schedule to make time to spend with someone is to much to expect the same in return? Why does this happen? Why do we allow this rudeness? If I picked up a book or magazine and started ignoring a person they would feel very disrespected, what is the difference? Is it just me that this bothers? What do you think?
I am ready to have a t-shirt silkscreened that reads "Go ahead punk, answer that phone" on the front and "You answered, I'm outta here" on the back. They can always call me when they get off the phone...lol.
2 people like this
7 responses
@sherlock27 (913)
• United States
20 May 08
I want to know, what do these people have to talk about so much that they enter stores, etc., with the phone CLUTCHED in their hands like it was gold? Standing in checkout lines, sitting in the restrooms, sitting in traffic. Did people talk that much before we had these devices? How did they survive? I really enjoy watching the public as they scan their phones as if they were reading War And Peace. The expressions on their faces are so wild. It's like they are saying to themselves, Oh my God, did I miss a call, didn't anyone try to call????
2 people like this
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
24 May 08
you ought to try waiting on one of these people! They'll ask for a pack of cigs. I'll ask, "what kind?" "What?" "what kind of cigs do you want." "Oh excuse me , I'm at the store can you hold on...what was that?" "You have to tell me what kind of cigs you want." It is ridiculous and the line gets held up.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
24 May 08
I am so in agreement with you on this one. I don't have a cell phone but if i did, I would hardly ever be on it. I'm hardly ever on my home phone. And if I am visiting with someone, I let the answering machine pick up. If it is important I'll excuse myself and answer it but if it is one of my other friends wanting to chat..nope. I'll call them back later. I have walked away from friends when they get on their cells when we are visiting. My time is valuable and I have no desire to sit and listen to them chat on the phone. It's rude and disrespectful.
1 person likes this
@vicneedscoffee (1259)
• United States
24 May 08
That's exactly how I see it, if I make time for someone I expect to be shown the same respect in turn.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
22 May 08
I have and use my cell phone. I like it for emergencies. When I am in a meeting, I turn it to silent. If I am at a lunch I turn it off. I just check messages later. If I am shopping with a friend and my phone rings, I check to make sure it isn't my daughter, then I just send it to voicemail.
Now a friend and I can be sitting at dinner, and her phone rings, she answers and chats while I sit and pick my nose. VERY rude!
1 person likes this
@vicneedscoffee (1259)
• United States
22 May 08
My whole family is like that. Sometime I just want to pick up their phone and stomp on it...lol.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
20 May 08
I have a phone but it's not attached to my head or hip 24 hours a day. I don't get phone calls all the time nor do I wish to receive phone calls all the time. I could live without it. It just makes me feel comfortable knowing that it is nearby especially if something where to happen or if I need to get ahold of someone quickly, that's the best way to do it. Otherwise, I don't need it. I just feel like cellphones are creating a new generation of rude people.
1 person likes this
@vicneedscoffee (1259)
• United States
20 May 08
I carry one when I am out and about, but I rarely use it. I have it for emergencies as you said. I do wonder why we put up with this new rudeness though?
@kingcrapper (1536)
• United States
9 Jun 08
I get a real kick out of some of tbese kids walking around chatting on their cell phone unconscious of that is going on around them. They will be in with a small group of friends and chatting on their phones! I am an adult and don't see the need for a cell phone that much!
Do you think young people lack the social skills adults have becuase of the internet and cell phones?
1 person likes this
@vicneedscoffee (1259)
• United States
9 Jun 08
It could be. It's ironic that the same tools that give us instant communication may actually be letting people grow apart. I think a lot of has to do with us allowing the kids to do this. It's as if this type of rudeness is acceptable.
@dramaprincess (32)
• Philippines
24 May 08
I've a cellphone, too.
But not really the text addict here, who can't go out without his cellphone. ^^
And it really bothers me that some use his cellphone while talking to or being with somebody.
_
1 person likes this
@pixelpixie (473)
• Canada
22 May 08
I have a cell phone and it basically just sits in my purse.
I used to use it for text messaging a lot but that seems to have declined.
My mother and I have a plan where calls are free between phones, but we still don't call much.
I find people who have cell phones for emergencies tend to not answer when there actually is one!
I get really annoyed when people sit on the city bus and practically scream their entire conversation into their cell phone. Uh, hello! We don't really care what party you went to last night and got trashed at.
Hahaha.
1 person likes this
