I was reading the other day about how cell phones are now being considered obsolete. The article went on to explain that cell phones are being replaced by smartphones. More and more people are buying smartphones because they can surf the web, text message, watch television and video highlights, as well as many other functions beyond the capability of regular cell phones.
I believe that most people are buying smartphones so that they can basically spend all day every day being what I call "iTards." I think smartphones are actually making people less smart (and, dare I say, stupid!). I really do.
So many people are completely consumed and obsessed with their phone. Have you ever been in a bar and observed how many people sit there on their phone texting someone who's not there? Gee, that sounds like a really fun night out! That must be some interesting conversation going on at your table.
Do you ever notice all the people walking the aisles at the supermarket who are constantly checking their phone and answering emails while they shop? They grab an item, then check their email, then grab an item then check their email. Is your email so important that you need to be checking it 24/7?
I've even seen people out on dates who are checking or typing something on their phones. They have to give their friends the "play-by-play" of how the date is going. "Hey. Date's not so good. Do you know why? Because I'm so obsessed with my smartphone!"
I really and truly believe that these smartphones should be nicknamed "stupidphones," because they're just making us dumb. We have become dumb. We're like little children who constantly need stimulation.
Robin Williams said it best years ago when he said that giving his kids Nintendo was like giving them the ultimate cocaine. Of course, he would know about that since he was addicted to cocaine all those years.
We have really become an addicted society though. As I sat in the airport recently, I watched people texting on their smartphones, emailing on their smartphones and even watching television on their smartphones.
Come on folks. What happened to the art of conversation between two people? Do we constantly need to be stimulated by our phones? It's ridiculous.
Technology is great up to a certain point, but I think technology is making us dumb as a society. Why? We no longer pay attention to what's going on around us, because all we are is consumed with our so-called smartphone. The more people get these, the more people become addicted to them, and the less social interaction people have (and learn how to have).
So drop your smartphone. Leave it at home.
When you go out on a date, go out on a date with an actual person. You don't need to be texting or sending video updates to people via your smartphone.
When you're out with friends, I want you to really be with your friends. I want you to pay attention to them, enjoy their company and stop giving updates about what's going on to people who aren't there.
Get with it folks! Start interacting more with each other, and less and with our new best friend -- the smartphone.
Follow David Wygant on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidwygant
Big fan of this post. I have the unfortunate privilege of working in an industry surrounded by "iTards". At the rate our country is going, and most likely within my lifetime, vocal socialization may be looked down upon. It absolutely amazes me how we are like herd cattle when it comes to technology. We just do what everyone else is doing, we don't know why we just HAVE to do it.
I actually get angry going out places seeing people wandering around glued to their phones like
some kind of zombie. My wife thinks I'm overreacting of course but I can't help feel the way I do
about this issue. Remember what life was like before cell phones? Well I do, and I can most
certainly say that my life isn't any better now having one. In fact this technology has just added
more expense and made me more accessible to people, which isn't always a good thing. Texting
is the only way my teenage daughter knows to communicate. I call her.....she won't answer her
cell but if sent her a text (which I don't) she would reply. Instead she sees the missed call and sends ME a text asking "you called,,,, what you want?" I mean Really?!!
Simply put TOO MUCH INFORMATION. Theres a time and place for everything but like you said ...put the damn phone down and socialize!
Always great to hear from you!!
Shoot me an email when your in LA and we can catch up,
But make sure you dont text me like crazy on that so called smart phone:)
Been a long time, stumbled upon your posting here, good stuff! I agree totally. I was one of those ITurds myself and have weened myself off of it slowly. The withdraws were things like; Wondering what mail I am missing, wondering if someone posted on my face book site, thinking if my buddy may want to write me a text message about where he is and so on.
I am being comical but these were real symptoms! I leave my Smart phone at home on weekends as much as I can and even leave my second phone (I live between Germany and Hungary) in my office and only turn it on from 9 to 5!
So you see I am making strides in my SPAA (Smart Phone Addicts Anonymous) I just may start an organization!
Unfortunately most of those who are addicted do not know it and will tell you with all the belief if the world that they are very important and need to be reached at all times...just like with any other addiction, denial is the first hurdle!
I am glad to see your doing well, I do not plan to be in Cali very soon but when I am, lets ook up again!
Greets from Budapest!
Steven Kuhn
Not to race to the bottom, but that's why we have things like this now: http://rudeorstupid.com/entity/198/smartphone