There is a serious addiction that has grown over the last 25 years that has overtaken the American public. It is an addiction that has caused the end of relationships, financial hardship, violence, and loss of employment. People line up in major cities to feed their addiction when the newest product is made available for sale. Family plans, “circles", prepaid, roaming, rollover minutes, and ring tones are all buzz words for this addiction. The addiction involves cell phones. Now some of you may argue that “Cell phones aren’t 25 years old" and of course you would be right but remember bag phones, car phones, and the portable phones that looked like a military walkie talkie? These were the predecessors to the current glut of cell phones that have now overtaken our society. Stephen King’s horror story Cell concerning cell phones use to turn people into mindless zombies is closer to fact than fiction.
Last week on a trip to a public restroom I was inspired to bring this malady to my writing. As I used one of the many porcelain appliances available in a public restroom I heard someone talking from a stall. The restroom was empty with the exception of the “talker" and me. He was having a spirited conversation, while occasionally holding his breath during his activity. Have you ever used a cell phone while using the bathroom? If so, you might be a cell phone zombie.
People can be seen talking on cell phones while driving, which is wisely against the law in several states. I am sure the young lady I observed yesterday putting on her eye makeup while driving and talking on the phone was in full control of her vehicle. Everyone has walked past someone in a mall or airport seemingly talking purposely to no one visible, until you realize that a Blue Tooth ear piece is attached to the head of the individual.
Movie theaters, airlines, public meetings, and most quiet venues have to continuously remind the public to “Please turn off your cell phones" since we are incapable of remembering to do so. Being slightly confrontational but respectful in my opinion, I asked a young man to leave a theater one time and finish his conversation during the movie.
I own a manufacturing facility where cell phones are not allowed on the production floor. The phones can constantly pull people away from their jobs and pose a hazard if they are not focused while running their machinery. When on occasion an employee is suspended or released for using or keeping their phone during work, they become truly indignant as if I have removed their right of free speech.
People can be observed holding hands with one or both individuals on cell phones. You can see moms and dads missing opportunities to talk to their children in cars on the way to school since the cell phone call that they are engaged in was more important than the safety or time with the kids. Face to face conversations are interrupted consistently by the ring tone of one of the participants.
Why has the communication through cell phones become so prevalent? Do we talk more openly over a cell phone than in person? Are things so important that we have to tell someone immediately something that in the time before cell phones was unnecessary?
If you are a victim of cell addiction and are moving towards cell zombie status, try putting your phone away for 1 day a week and see what you actually miss. You may find that you will survive. If you are one who has talked on a cell phone in a public restroom stall, next time, stand, drop in the water and flush before it is too late.
Try this for fun with your kids. Play a popular ring tone in a crowded mall and count how many people reach for their cell phones. Some will even reach for their cell phone and realize they have forgotten it. Whoever’s ring tone causes the most cell flinches wins!
Technology moves ever closer to a product that can be permanently implanted into the ears and vocal cords of individuals who must be connected. I have a suggestion where the battery and charger can be connected.
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