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OP you brought up an interesting topic. I think the truth is there are many of us who use our phones as pacifiers yet we don't want to acknowledge it so we defend our "useful tools". I wish I didn't have to be so dependent on my phone but I have noticed our society makes it somewhat necessary. I still have a landline (old school, but I prefer the clarity of it) and give that out for non-personal calls but I find people try to text me on it, including the other day when my auto shop texted me details about my car being ready. I miss talking to people on the phone as you just can't have the same interaction with a text. But texting instead of talking has become the norm so what can you do? A few years ago I even had someone do a text to talk message on my answering machine to the landline which meant they spoke into their phone and then left that robotic message on my answering machine. I thought why didn't you just call me? Have we become so averse to speaking to another human? Yes, smart phones are very convenient but I think for ever advance there are disadvantages. I feel bad for kids today as they are so addicted to social media. Go to any high school and watch as the kids walk out. I dare you to find any kid whose head isn't buried in their phone.
I use my phone extensively with my business. For me it increases sales for my to respond to any questions or issues promptly. There are so many apps that help me with productivity. Plus google fit is great in monitoring my exercise regimen.
I don't think the issue is using a smartphone or not but what you do with it is what is important.
It would be like asking if we would be better off walking everywhere and not having transportation? Yes our physical health would be better but that is about it.
A few years ago I even had someone do a text to talk message on my answering machine to the landline which meant they spoke into their phone and then left that robotic message on my answering machine. I thought why didn't you just call me?
I believe that happens when someone sends a text to a landline, thinking its a cellphone. The text is automatically translated into words by a computer. They probably had no idea that this had occurred.
I think the truth is there are many of us who use our phones as pacifiers yet we don't want to acknowledge it so we defend our "useful tools". I wish I didn't have to be so dependent on my phone but I have noticed our society makes it somewhat necessary.
I miss talking to people on the phone as you just can't have the same interaction with a text.
I thought why didn't you just call me?
The first part seems contradictory. You suggest people defend their "tools" as an excuse yet then say society makes it necessary.
Maybe missing the "phone experience" is precisely why so many text? Phone calls have a way of dragging out where a simple question and one sentence answer turns into additional unnecessary questions and small talk.
It's quite possible to resist, although it takes moral fortitude -- as in all things -- to go against the herd. People lose patience with me because I'm not online 24/7. Oh, well!
Well, I guess MOST like to be on call 24/7....Talk about anxiety.
So many fear they are missing something.
No that's not what it means.
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OP you brought up an interesting topic. I think the truth is there are many of us who use our phones as pacifiers yet we don't want to acknowledge it so we defend our "useful tools". I wish I didn't have to be so dependent on my phone but I have noticed our society makes it somewhat necessary. I still have a landline (old school, but I prefer the clarity of it) and give that out for non-personal calls but I find people try to text me on it, including the other day when my auto shop texted me details about my car being ready. I miss talking to people on the phone as you just can't have the same interaction with a text. But texting instead of talking has become the norm so what can you do? A few years ago I even had someone do a text to talk message on my answering machine to the landline which meant they spoke into their phone and then left that robotic message on my answering machine. I thought why didn't you just call me? Have we become so averse to speaking to another human? Yes, smart phones are very convenient but I think for ever advance there are disadvantages. I feel bad for kids today as they are so addicted to social media. Go to any high school and watch as the kids walk out. I dare you to find any kid whose head isn't buried in their phone.
I can only imagine what these campuses look like...a mass of smartphones.
Well, I guess MOST like to be on call 24/7....Talk about anxiety.
So many fear they are missing something.
I'm not sure why you would make an assumption like that. I keep my phone with me during the day because I take care of my grandson while his dad works, the boy is in kindergarten and if he gets sick I need to know so I can pick him up, have a cell phone sure beats the crap out of the option- sitting in the house all day waiting in case the school calls
What surprises me in reading these posts is the disdain for smartphones by people who claim they have never owned one, but for whatever reason hate them anyway. How do you know that you hate something before you try it? I thought I hated brussels sprouts until my mother actually made me taste one before I could leave the table. For people who won't get a smartphone because OMG they might get addicted, are they also addicted to the TV set, or the device they use to post on these forums? It just makes no sense...
I used to give free computer classes at the senior center. There was one guy who was always there watching people on the computers but he would walk around making smart cracks like "oh great now you don't need human friends" I sat down with him and asked him what he was interested in, it turns out he knew more about trains than anyone I had ever met, he absolutely loved trains and railroad history. I had him sit down at a PC and type in the name of an obscure railroad line and wow, did his eyes light up! He started attending the classes and after a month or so he asked me to go to best buy with him to help him pick out a laptop
I'm not sure why you would make an assumption like that. I keep my phone with me during the day because I take care of my grandson while his dad works, the boy is in kindergarten and if he gets sick I need to know so I can pick him up, have a cell phone sure beats the crap out of the option- sitting in the house all day waiting in case the school calls
What surprises me in reading these posts is the disdain for smartphones by people who claim they have never owned one, but for whatever reason hate them anyway. How do you know that you hate something before you try it? I thought I hated brussels sprouts until my mother actually made me taste one before I could leave the table. For people who won't get a smartphone because OMG they might get addicted, are they also addicted to the TV set, or the device they use to post on these forums? It just makes no sense...
I used to give free computer classes at the senior center. There was one guy who was always there watching people on the computers but he would walk around making smart cracks like "oh great now you don't need human friends" I sat down with him and asked him what he was interested in, it turns out he knew more about trains than anyone I had ever met, he absolutely loved trains and railroad history. I had him sit down at a PC and type in the name of an obscure railroad line and wow, did his eyes light up! He started attending the classes and after a month or so he asked me to go to best buy with him to help him pick out a laptop
Everyone has their Reasons. Just have to wonder how all those before my generation got thru their lives ... yeah I know things have changed big time.
All those masses of smartphones walking around school campuses have their reasons too....some could be life saving.
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