Pet peeves

What is the whole cell phone thing about? I see whole families (mom, pop, and kids) out to eat or on some "family" excursion and notice that every one of them has a cell phone or game pod thingy right in front of their face the whole time. What did people do before they were connected to the internet 24/7? Maybe... actually TALK to each other? What did people do when driving before texting and talking on the phone nonstop? Maybe... pay attention to the road and the drivers around you? I have twice witnessed people walking directly into a metal street sign pole while peering at their tiny screen and yes, they were knocked to their knees because those steel poles don't just give a whole lot. I've seen more than a few people walk directly in front of passing traffic because they couldn't take their eyes of the screen.
The old adage of "I just got a phone in case of an emergency" has long passed the scrutiny test of actual "emergency" usage.

And yes, I have a cell phone too but I use it maybe 10 minutes a month, typically for communications with my children and grandchildren. Fellow gardeners have asked me on occasion "what do you listen to while out working in the yard? "Ummmm... the sounds of the real world.

The internet and wireless communications are a nice thing to access at appropriate times but all this 24/7 access has become a bad habit that I don't believe some people can break.
I'm sorry cause I just don't get it...
Can someone enlighten me on the issue?
Thanks for reading my rant...
Steve

I can't explain anything as I feel the same as you. I don't understand either and it has started to hurt some relationships. When I need to talk with someone, that's what I want to do - not leave a text!! I don't even know how to text!!!

I agree. I use mine to call my kids and grandkids, and in emergency. I text only if I know that I can't call or the recipient can't take a phone call. Texting comes in handy at time but I hate it.

I have had quite a few near accidents from idiots talking on there cell. I don't talk or text when driving. One driver stopped on green and went on red. I almost hit her since I didn't expect it.

Here is one good thing. My 11 year old granddaughter has a cell phone for good reason. My son assumed that the school bus would drop my granddaughter off at the child care center since her Mom started to work days instead of nights. She is a CNA at the hospital. Her school is 5 blocks from her home. Her parents didn't like the idea of her walking home. But no choice. So, my son gave her his cell and he got another. She is to text him at work when she gets home and call if an emergency. She also gabs to me. So far so good. She has 2 hours to be alone at home.

There are some safe and useful ideas for cell phones.

I don't have any problems when they are used for a purpose such as this. That is what I have one for - emergencies!!! If, for some reason, I need to make a call when I am driving, I pull over and stop. And I NEVER answer the phone while I'm driving. And I too take offense with them at the dinner table. They are not allowed at my table and I spoke to my grandson about just that when we out to dinner recently. He respected my wishes and put it away.... We had a wonderful talk....