Put that Cell Phone down before I....

[Thotas]

I hate those damned things. I don't have one, don't want one, and I will define the moment that civilization has destroyed itself as the instant I'm forced to have one. They've proliferated faster than any kind of ettiquette for their use, even the common sense /common courtesy kind. In addition to everything mentioned above, the cutesy and/or really bad current popular music ring-tone that goes on for 45 seconds is now a threat whenever one goes out into any public area. Yee--aargh!

 

[LightPhoenix]

The problem isn't really cell phones, though it is nice to scapegoat something. The problem is ignorant, inconsiderate, and irresponsible people.

 

[Merkuri]

The problem is ignorant, inconsiderate, and irresponsible people.

Heh, while I agree, I think cell phones tend to act like a megaphone, allowing people to announce their inconsiderate-ness to the entire world. Without cell phones we'd have to wait until one of these people lets a door slam in your face or something.

 

[jaerdaph]

I know in New York it is illegal to drive while talking on your cell phone (at least without a car kit). Maybe we can use the same technology to get these scofflaws back - take a picture of them talking on their phone while driving with a camera phone - just not while we're driving.

This approach has worked on the subway in New York when women take pictures of flashers and other perverts to show to the police.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Heh, while I agree, I think cell phones tend to act like a megaphone, allowing people to announce their inconsiderate-ness to the entire world. Without cell phones we'd have to wait until one of these people lets a door slam in your face or something.

That's entirely specious and furthermore, in my opinion, untrue.

 

[Numion]

Around here it's illegal to drive and speak on the cell phone without a hands-free setup.

Personally I think cellphones are one of the best things evar!!!11!

And they're responsible for much of Finlands economic growth since mid 90s (go Nokia!)

 

[Jesus_marley]

As with any technology... the cellhone is morally neutral. it is how it is used which is the determining factor.

From my perspective, the problem lies with the person using the device. Poor phone etiquette is simply one more symptom in a long (and ever growing) line which shows the level of decay that we as a society have reached. People, in general, and with exceptions, have become so selfish that they retain no regard for anyone around them. it is as if everyone is fumbling around in a thick fog unable to see anyone else. And thus being "alone" feel they can do whatever they wish with impunity.

What strikes me as even sadder is when that "buffer" is destroyed by having the person made aware of their selfishness, usually through someone who is annoyed beyond polite indifference, they react with even more rudeness.... perhaps as a way of reestablishing the "buffer". In either case, I really hope that someday soon we once again get a renaissance of politeness and courtesy. God knows we need one.

 

[Aeolius]

I've hiked up Harney Peak four times now.... There were a good 60 people up there... One guy walks over to about 6' from me, sits down, whips out his cell phone and begins screaming into it.

We recently went to Corolla, on the Outer Banks of NC, for a beach trip. One night, around midnight, I went for a stroll by the ocean. There were dozens and dozens of folks out there, many of which were screaming against the roar of the surf into their cellphones.

I'm sure a cell phone skipping into the sea would sound just as lovely as one dropped from a mountaintop.

 

[Darth K'Trava]

It's too bad that people just don't care who listens in on their conversations.... Frankly, I don't want to hear intimate details of last night, that trip to the doc's office, what Fluffy did on the rug.... And I've had to jump out of the way of some jerkwad who was so busy jabbering on his phone, he couldn't even look where he was going, much less apologize!

Frankly, the worst thing to come out of the whole cellphone technology is the [blankety-blank] nextel phones. I'd love to shove that where people would soon be wondering if that was your ass chirping; those things are so bedamned annoying! I don't care to hear your conversation, loudly blared over a crappy walkie-talkie.

Then there's the customers at work who walk up, while talking on their phone and place their order while talking/listening to the phone. Can't you put the damn thing down for a minute! Or the ones in the drive-thru window who place their order and then have you wait while they call and ask what the other person wants.... Make a bloody list BEFORE you leave!!

I have a phone but only use it for emergencies and such. Not just to chat away for the heck of it... I leave that to my niece who can't seem to stand not being in contact with her bf 24/7....

 

[Morrus]

I'm not against the phones at all. After all, I wouldn't have a problem with them holding the same conversation with someone right next to them, so it's not a noise pollution factor for me.