TEXTING HINDERS HUMAN INTERACTIONS

October 23, 2013

We all know having a cell phone has essentially become a necessity of our time. However, some of us fail to differentiate between practical use of a cell phone, and continuous compulsive cell phone usage.

I get it. Today’s technology has gifted us with the opportunity to view anything but the current planetary alignment, like photos taken from last night’s party; all of which are right there at the swipe of a finger. But, those who are seduced by the vortex of cellphones often miss out on the vibrant world that has so much to offer.

Many miss out on real life social interactions or relationships because they were too fascinated by the launching of angry birds.

Everywhere you turn, people are missing out on first hand experiences, in exchange for electronic simulations. For example, most people pay a decent amount of money to attend sporting events and wind up spending the duration of the event engaged in the use of their cell phone by taking pictures, tweeting and texting.

The same goes for class. Take a look around your classroom during a lecture and I can guarantee you won’t have trouble finding someone who has given up there in-class experience in order to sustain interactions with their phone.

I fail to see the point of enrolling in a lecture-based class, if you devote its entirety to using your cell phone.

Today’s increasing abnormal obsession with cell phones has even proved itself deviant enough to infringe upon social norms.

There is nothing like making plans to get together with a friend, and then have them looking at their cell phone the entire time. I’m sorry, I thought you wanted to hang out and hold a conversation with me, not your phone. My mistake.

When did blatantly ignoring someone and failing to engage in a meaningful conversation become socially acceptable? Perhaps those falling guilty of these rude and disrespectful tendencies should reconsider and examine our culture’s social norms.

Denis Mahoney,a junior psychology major, and Jake Milette, a sophomore music major, cross the street together while having their full attention, not on their surroundings, but on their cell phones. Emily Wiegand photo.

What about walking and texting? You laugh, but the sad thing is that people are imposing dangers upon themselves and others. There have been numerous incidents where pedestrians are hit by cars, and authorities speculate whether or not it was caused by carelessly walking into traffic, while looking down at their phone.

I think it’s safe to assume I can skip the lecture about the dangers of texting and driving, right?

If you’re someone who finds themselves engaging in these activities, perhaps it’s time you ask yourself how much of your life you’re allowing your cell phone to allocate.

The possession and usage of a cell phone is vitally essential. However, as educated human beings we are capable of reserving our interactions with the world, the precious time of those we interact with, as well as the safety and well being of ourselves and others, with the exclusion of cell phone use.

Christina Fazio is a Comment opinion writer. Email her at cfazio@student.bridgew.edu.