Cell phones....do they rule your lives?
By pergammano
@pergammano (7682)
Canada
January 30, 2009 6:59am CST
I cannot, for the life of me, understand how so many people let a little small box rule their lives! I am shocked at how the population has a cell phone glued to their ear! Do they not have a life? Is that little box, so important, that you risk the lives of others....talking on it & driving? My life, time, space is too important to me...to be ruled by a "cell phone"......it's like their lives, sanity, livlihood and existence is ruled by this thing! Yes, I have a cell phone...but I rule it! It does not interrupt me whilst driving, eating, dining out..or anytime I choose it NOT to! I never have it on "ring" in Public...I have it on vibration, and will look at the calls in private & return if necessary! My question...is it just in "vogue" to have a cell phone permanently attached to your ear? Cheers!
5 people like this
20 responses
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
30 Jan 09
I can't imagine be being the phone all day long as it seems with so many that have cell phones. I don't have one nor do I want one. Those that are on them constantly are so rude.
My granddaughter works in a grocery store bakery and deli. people will come and want to give an order but don't have time to interrupt their cellphone conversation long enough to give a descent order. They will point and shake their heads then give dirty looks when getting the wrong thing. There other day my grandson and I were pulling into a parking lot and two people were pulling out both on cell phones as they tried maneuver with one hand out of their parking spots. They can be the cause of many an accident.
And being with friends that have them makes you feel like they really don't want to carry on a conversation with you. They are always on the cell phones. I can see a need for them but people just get carried away.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Hurrah...and that's just the exhibition that annoys me so much! Like there's only two things in the world...them and their cell phone...that seems to breed a great deal of rudeness that you so adeptly mention! Have a a great weekend, deebomb, we are bracing for another dump of snow! Cheers!
1 person likes this
@proudnana (192)
• Canada
30 Jan 09
I think i'm one of the very few who don't own a cell phone in this day and age. But, if i did it would only be used for emergency situations.
I personally don't see the point in having a cell phone glued to your ear walking around the mall or public places where every one can hear you talking as you walk by them. To me conversations on the phone are a private matter and should be heard by only those involved.
~proudnana~
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
30 Jan 09
I, so hear you, proudnana (and not on my cell-phone..LOL!) I find, the people that are having those conversations we are referring to...do so at decibels that we are all forced to hear!
For my own health, & safety...(it was actually my son who forced me)I opted to get one...as I just stated, a lot of my work is solitary...and sometimes remote! I was once doing a Tiling job, on an Island (contractor took me there by boat) and then took me & left me at the jobsite (he took me by Golf Cart--as there was NO vehicles on the Island)! There was NO power/phones at the job-site, just a gas generator...and after using it all day for my Tile saw...I was out of gas! It was l8th of Dec. The contractor totally forgot about me....I could not find my way out, and even if I did....there was NO boat to get me back to my Island! It was a very uncomfortable night.....one that I sure wished I had a cell-phone! So that, my dear is why I have one! My poor dear son, was sooo beside himself when he couldn't get hold of his Mother...he called the RCMP! All's well that end's well, so thot it was a wise decision to get one!
@proudnana (192)
• Canada
30 Jan 09
I'm so glad everything turned out well for you. Yes, its times like these you do need a cell phone.
1 person likes this
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
31 Jan 09
I do have a cell phone but I am not that type of guy that keep it glued to my ear. My wie always complains that I never return text messages or calls that she makes on cell phone. Most of the time I am always on the go at work that leaves me little time to play with my cell phone. I only use it for urgent occasions only. Today I received a phone call from my lawyer while driving, I parked my car before I picked up my cellphone.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
2 Feb 09
Somehow, I knew that you would pull over whilst driving...but I really do think it should be the law! Course, here in Canada our roads are not such that that is always the option! But why are these phone calls so urgent today, than they were in the past? They would be there at our home...or office...for us to respond to when time permitted!
@arlerambabu (1079)
• India
31 Jan 09
Nope. it's my life and I'm the ruler. I'll not allow any lifeless gadget enslave me and make a prisoner and the cell phones are not an exception
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Wow....do you ever rate a big round of adulation! I so hear you...I think it is almost comical to watch people that are so controlled by a little electronic device, no bigger than the palm of their hands! I fear they have "no" quality of life, as "nothing" seems more important than that little device! Good on you..Thanks for the response, and have a great weekend!
@dropofrain (1167)
• India
31 Jan 09
I seriously believe that the cell phones have become a crucial part of our lives and we can not imagine our lives without it. When it comes to living without a cell phone even for a day, the whole idea scares us. Whether we accept it or not, it is a very crucial part of our lives.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Good morning, dropofrain...I think you might be speaking for the masses, but not a lot of us, who wish to retain our individuality! Living without my cell phone, does NOT even scare up a "flicker" desperation with me! There is, in my opinion, only one thing that is crucial in my world, peace & tranquility, & that includes the health & happiness of my family and friends! 99% of the time, I leave home without my cell phone...and am soooo glad I am NOT dependent on a little piece of technology to run my world! Have a great weekend & Cheers!
@puddytat101 (657)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Hi pergammano,
I own a cell phone because I travel sometimes. I don't answer if I'm driving. I have a hard enough time paying attention to other drivers! I've seen people with them glued to their ears. I think it is a tacky way to accessorize lol.
I have seen people having entire conversations in the grocery store about what kind of bread to buy. Pffft......get the cheapest and move on. Good grief!
But, yes, cell phones are great for emergencies. I keep mine handy in case my car breaks down.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
2 Feb 09
Thanks for adding a sense of humour, and a little levity to this discussion! I just don't understand why the need to communicate is so necessary...that people are actually slaves to these little things! Cheers, puddytat101!
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
31 Jan 09
I agree 200 per cent with you on that one.
I think it is a case that today... people cannot survive an hour without chatting to someone. They need that interaction to give meaning to their life. They cannot cope with being alone. The world scare them... and they need reassurance from the people they are talking with on their mobile phone. Everyone knows where everyone is every minute of the day. If you are 5 minutes late... your mobile phone will ring to ask you where you are.
I don't have one. I don't want one. I regard it as an invasion of privacy. Particulary when people start abusing you for turning it off and not answering it. lol
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Thumbs up...UP..UP! On that response, Aussie! We seem to be so concerned about "terrorists"....and we have already been invaded by a little black (or whatever color) piece of equipment that is the great "ruler!"
I, like you, Aussie infrequently see the lights of a city...and to see all of the "controlled" population with cell phones glued to their ears...shopping, driving, waiting for a bus...I am overcome with sorrow that their world has come to this! I was in my "e-bike" shop trying to discuss a problem, the next customer was "yapping" (seemed inconsequential) on his cell-phone, and I could not even carry on a conversation! Seems so hard to find tranquility these days..away from these little monsters and the humanoids that they are permanently attached to!
As related, I have one...I always LEAVE home without it...except when tiling at a new construction site, that is remote (or on another Island)...and there is NO land lines or power....and I will take it on my boat, just because I have it, and do not have VHF...Emergency back-up!
I, so appreciate my privacy...that my land-line is turned off a big percentage of the time...I do not socialize on my land-line, just return business calls!
Hope you are O.K. during the "stifling" heat wave you are experiencing...from what I hear on the news...it is hovering around 46 degrees Celcius...I can't imagine and am sure you are not looking forward to the residual effects of this heat wave!
Thanks for responding...and cuz you are 18 hrs ahead...have a great Sunday!
@izathewzia (5134)
• Philippines
30 Jan 09
Nope, I think its the computer! LOL But I do have cellphone to communicate with my family and friends. It is necessary especially if there is no computer available. Another easier way to communicate.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
It makes me wonder what made the world go-round before all of these newbie forms of communication! I hate to tell you, but I can remember when there was only one home...with one phone...in our entire rural community! We survived...and it seemed quite happily!
And you know, just recently, there was a night school offered at a Campus in Victoria about the forgotten art of letter writing! Hmmm!
Have a truly joyful weekend!
@thorgrym (675)
• United States
31 Jan 09
If you have never seen the movie, "Crazy People" with Dudley Moore and Paul Reiser, there is a funny line in the movie dealing with cell phones... Moore stops his car in the middle of a busy bridge and at one point goes over to a car with a driver talking on his cell phone. He grabs the phone and throws it over the side of the bridge saying something like, "People who talk on phone while driving really annoy other drivers!" So true!
My wife and I each have a cell phone, but they are rarely used. I am disabled, so it is nice to have the 'emergency line' with me wherever I go. The only reason that we have two is that we are not always in the same place so if I need to reach her I can - no matter where she is.
One thing that is really nice about the cell phone for me is that I can store people's contact information in it - the numbers for my doctors and any emergency contacts that I might need to reach at a moments notice. The only other thing that I use it for is to talk to my parents. They live in another state, but due to the cell phone provider, we can talk cell-to-cell for free - no long distance, no minutes.
No camera, no internet, no games - it is as basic as a cell phone gets. And no, it doesn't rule my life.
Great topic!
1 person likes this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Believe it or not I've only made ONE phone call on my cell phone since last May. Yep, I rarely use it. I keep it only for emergencies if I'm out on the road. Matter of fact this week I lowered my plan so that I'm being charged the minimum they have to offer. It was either that or I was cancelling it. I know my son uses his cell phone constantly. He doesn't even have a landline in his house. His cell phone is his only thing and it goes everywhere with him. I'm just glad I'm not tied down to one of those. Although I must admit I would LOVE to have one of the new IPhones. Just because they are cool. LOL
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Norning, TessWhite....yes, thru all my rants, my son has only a cell-phone & a Magic Jack...no land-line (except the Magic)....but he knows, that when he is home for a visit, (and that is often) I don't wish to listen to the constant of his cell phone, and NOW he subscribes to my wishes! And to be honest with you, he even now, enjoys the fact that their is peace & tranquility at home...he can even hear the birds singing!
I think in the over 2.5 years, I have possibly used my cell 9-10 times, once for emergency...and several times to call the hospital, when my son broke his back & I was in transit! It's only on, when I deem to "might" have to use it...and very few people have the number! Have a great weekend! Cheers!
@gogogadgethd (36)
• United States
30 Jan 09
I don't use mine that much. In fact, I use it rarely, so this is not a problem for me.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
I, like you, very seldom use mine! The point that I was making was that so many people are absolutely glued to theirs 24/7.....and they seem to react greater at the loss or misplacement of their cell phone...than most of us would losing our right arm, and they tend to promote rudeness!
Welcome to myLot...I see that you are new to the site! Just a small word of advice, if you read the guidelines, you get a lot more creedence & possibly money for longer than "one line" comments! Have a great weekend!
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
31 Jan 09
No the cellphone never rules my life. Am using it for interested clients to contact me in case they are interested buying a house and lot as my number is reflected at the fliers we're giving. Also calls from friends and relatives could not be possible without the cell. With the cell I feel comfortable even my children come home late as I know there whereabouts. There are some however who just wasting their money on loads just to text their friends for whatever and right they can't live without their cell phone attached to their ears.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Yes, bing28, there many, varied & good reasons for a cell phone! But I wished they came with a list of manners that had to be implemented before the phone could be activated! Thanks for your response, and have a great weekend!
@taggedskate (211)
• United States
30 Jan 09
I have a cell phone and yes, sometimes I do hate it. I like being able to be somewhere and not be bothered. It never stops ringing. I turn it on vibrate but Im afraid when I do it will be a very important call that I miss. My vibration on my phone is not very good. And I hate always having to look at it. Trust me Im not one of those that have a cell phone glued to their ear 24/7 but it is an essential to me. ONLY because Im a very forgetting person and I always need to call home becaue I forgot something or something of that sort. haha But I do agree with you, you shouldn't be talking while driving, it's dangerous not only to you but to the other drivers, and while out to eat...well it's not very pleasent to hear someones ringtone while you're trying to have either a romantic dinner or just a night out with the girls.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
First of all....Welcome to myLot, taggedskate! I can accept a person's needs for a cellphone....possibly you do not have a land-line! It just amazes me how dependent so many people are on them! I have two small businesses, but my cell phone is NOT part of them.....if the call is Important, I have a land-line with voice mail! They shud never be aloud to ring in public. Havea great weekend!
@missjasmine (97)
• India
31 Jan 09
well...they actually don rule my life, but i feel uncomfortable without cell phones, because u knw i don have to mention anythin bout it..like ur friends contacts, bluetooth, videos, audios, games ...how can u jus leave al these things in ur life. For me they have become an essential part of my life. Thats it..nothing much that they rule my lofe and all...
And though i enjoy possessing cell, i never let it disturbe me wen i am studying or when i am at anyother important work.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
For me, missjasmine...you have stated many reasons that I think cell phones rule peoples lives! For thousands of years, people carried address books or exercised their memories for their friends and families contacts! The world did just fine without bluetooth, videos, audios...and games carried with them! People carried a good book with them, or carried on "good" conversations! People knew how to entertain themselves, and were not dependent on a little piece of equipment to supply all these things! I think cell-phones have taken away people's independence! Try living without it! Have a a good weekend!
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
30 Jan 09
Well, personally I cannot see the think of allowing a Cell phone to rule someone's life as well, and personally I cannot imagine being one of those people who have to constantly be on one as well. I know there are times when I might need to be on mine, and sometimes will spend quite a bit of time on one, but it does not control me. I personally have gotten annoyed myself with people constantly needing to be on a Cell while working as well. I work in a Taxi Call Center, and I will see people on their Cell, and helping get Taxi's for others at the same time and wonder if they have that thing glued to their ear as well. It truly has become a Craze, and I am Glad they are considering even outlawing Texting while driving as that I feel is even worse than talking on your phone.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Isn't it amazing that sooooo many of us can find some reason to dislike that little piece of disruptive equipment & the owner that is glued to it! I do have one...and it is for reasons of safety.....but I have never made a phone call on it that wasn't for assistance in some manner! I never have it turned on...and only carry it when I will be working alone!
And you know, the jury is still out on whether these things contribute to brain cancer!
Have a great weekend, hope you don't have to work
@ryzach (1544)
• United States
30 Jan 09
I agree with you so many times people are driving with there phone, at the bank or store while conducting business and we all have to hear their conversation. My pet peeve is when I am helping a customer and they are on the phone. I actually will wait until they get off the phone before we do the transaction because money is involved and I want them paying attention. They usually get off the phone. I find it very rude. I remember a few years ago I worked in a retail store and this woman was on the phone in the checkout lane having a very personal conversation very loudly on her phone, it was very annoying. I like being able to reach my family and them being able to reach me but I want my conversations private.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
30 Jan 09
ryzach...you are so right! What an intrusion they have become in an already too busy, too noisy world! And you hit the nail on the head, said it better than me...how can you talk on a cellphone, when you are doing financial transactions? Shows you the precedence they have taken in people's lives! Thank you for responding...and have a great weekend!
@sxrxnrr45601 (1171)
• United States
31 Jan 09
I hate phones I do have a prepaid for reason like calling my bf mother down in texas and such but i really do not like them I do not even have a landline lol lol
1 person likes this
@Dustysgal325 (19)
• United States
30 Jan 09
I totally understand where you're coming from with this cell phone stuff. I was driving home from a friend's house yesterday and I saw a little girl (she was probably no more than 10 years old) getting off the bus at the stop in her neighborhood. As soon as she got off the bus, she had a cell phone glued to her ear! I don't understand why a little girl needs a cell phone at that age? I didn't get a cell phone until I was 16 and that was only because I was starting to drive and it was for emergencies like my car broke down or something like that. We live out in the country, so my mom felt better if I had a cell phone so I wouldn't have to flag some stranger down. But how people live on their cell phones is a little ridiculous. Like texting, why text someone when you can pick up the phone and call them quicker? Kids like it because they can "talk" when they're not supposed to (e.g. class). I think parents should only let kids have phones for emergencies or to call their parents for things like to let them know when an after-school activity is over.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
Hey....what's up with that? Why do these small children need cell-phones? And I have a friend that is horribly opposed to them & the towers that they require...and their are several studies relating to brain damage in young children who'se brains are still forming/growing, from the cell phones!Hope you have a wonderful weekend...and welcome to myLOt!
@markbrauer16 (265)
• United States
30 Jan 09
I actually do not even have a cell phones anymore, and nor do I want one!
I hate them.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
30 Jan 09
Congrats....to you! I only have a cell-phone, because many of my jobsites are at houses that have not yet had their power/phone hooked up...and I am working alone! My work is associated with some dangers, like a big, powerful Tile saw, ladders, etc. and that is when I take my cell-phone with me!
@lenuhj16 (1)
• Philippines
30 Jan 09
now a days cellphone has a big contribution for making our lives better. using it you can communicate to someone even if he/she is away from you. for example a long distance love affair, it has a big help for them if they use as a communication tool. also for the one with family working in other country like me, my mom' and i use cellphone to communicate. in my country (Philippines) almost 1/3 of our population has a cellphone (correct me if im wrong).
but cellphone has also bad effect to the people who use it. they use it to scam other people. terrorist use it as their remote control to detonate their bombs. and so many reported crimes has been reported to the authorities using their cellphones.
going to the topic, i have my cellphone, its so helpful to me. if im text messaging someone, i can express my feelings through it. but still cellphone doesnt rule my life. it is still just a material thing though it has an influence how my day will be. :D
-lenuhj//cs11//FEU-FERN!!
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
31 Jan 09
I am sorry, lenuhj16 (and welcome to myLot, by the way) but I disagree that cell phones have improved our lives! For century after century, love, family, friends have blossomed and bloomed without cell phones! And I feel that there is so much unnecessary communication...not quality communication thru these devices! And what about the old fashioned way of expressing your emotions? Have a great weekend!
