Was your initial response to the title of this post one of ghastly horror? I wouldn’t blame you, as the idea of leaving our beloved phones at home when we go out into the world is something we don’t often consider. What if I need to call someone? What if I get in an accident? What if?
Before we had email, texting, Twitter, Facebook, or any other social/communication network on the phones we could fit in our pocket and use anywhere we wanted, people either A. got ahold of us should we have answered the phone at home or B. left us a message. They didn’t try every number, email address, or online account they had for us just to reach us for whatever reason — we weren’t available. We either missed their call at home and/or arrived to find a voicemail waiting for us. Now we are supposed to be reachable 24/7, whenever someone feels the need to be in touch. Ever have someone you barely know say “Where are you? I know you have your phone with you!” on a voicemail message as if you could somehow not have the ability to take a call at the exact moment someone wishes to speak to you? It doesn’t matter if you are at the grocery store, eating dinner at a restaurant, or playing with your kids at the park; everyone knows you have a cellphone and thinks you should be available to answer it. But what if you didn’t?
And here’s the other thing — ever see people sitting at a table together quietly but only staring at their phones? Ever sat with someone while they texted, emailed, or talked on the phone with someone else for just a tad too long? The constant need for constant updates about everything under the sun (and it’s usually of no importance at all) has created a nation of mute zombies, blindly walking with their head down engrossed in the latest update about…whatever. We used to be able to deal with not seeing the latest news until we got around to it; why the need now?
I am not a tech-luddite. I have an iPhone and a MacBook Pro. I make my living by working all day on the internet. And I understand it’s now become difficult to leave the house without the modern-day adult version of a security blanket, the cellphone. It’s difficult for me to do. But I have been forcing myself to do it when I can think of it, and I am amazed at just how often I reach for my phone in my pocket only to find it’s not there — and I am forced to do something else. Look around. Listen to NPR. Talk to a human being. Pay attention.
When you don’t feel chased down by someone or aren’t busy staring at that little 4.5 inch screen full of Facebook updates, it’s amazing what you can experience. Try it out a few days a week or a few times a month. Leave your phone at home once in a while. It could change your life.
Excellent; amazing how we think we need the cell phone. I put my cheap cell phone on silent when I’m away from home in order to have peace and quiet. The real reasons for the phone should be for emergencies. That’s all I try to use it for. Try it. Guess what? No emergencies, life goes back to normal when you go back home.
Getting older and carry it for MY convenience, emergencies, car trips, etc. Used to have a CB in the truck, but the cell phone works now.
That being said… I can see NO reason for me to subscribe to an internet plan for my phone… it is for phone only 🙂 And I like it that way. I’m also fine with turning it off or leaving it in the car sometimes….
but like so many people nowdays, I use it for my watch also…lol… and sometimes, running around picking up grandkids, I just need to know how late I’m running! lol!
I’m not sure if I could leave my iPhone at home. Ok, I know I could, but it would be like forgetting to wear a watch or ring that I wear every day. I would feel naked without it.
Don’t you go crazy when you leave your phone?
Perhaps my comments above are exactly why I should ditch the mobile.
My 8yo made up a game show the other day and one of her questions was “What is Mom always on? a. the computer, b. the couch, c. her iPhone.” Ouch, that hurts. Think maybe I should try this myself a few times.
I dumped my iPhone months ago. Wife pays the bills and I was being nagged a lot about the extra cost while she only carried a flip phone.
I decided to go back to the “old school” flip phone.
I usually do carry it with me and I mostly use it for talking. I know, I’m weird.
Found out I didn’t need it like I thought I did.
I work on the phone so after 30-40 calls in a day, I want nothing to do with a phone. I put $100 on my phone on 30 May (the $100 is good til 30 May 2013) and have spent a whopping $4.90. I seldom carry the phone with me or turn it on. If people really need to get a hold of me they email me or knock on my door. Not being constantly tethered to the phone is a source of calm and comfort for me. I can’t say that this works for everyone but it sure works for me.