On my way back from lunch today, I saw two ladies chatting on their cellphones. It occurred to me to wonder whether each was aware of the other or whether each was so habituated to cellphone conversation that they were in fact in conversation with each other, but on their cellphones instead of face to face.
Why is there such an urgent need to be in touch - sort of - with people so much of the time? I have even heard cellphones in use in public restrooms! One of the two women mentioned above carried no purse or wallet, but she had her cellphone. Many times I have counted the number of persons I pass on my way who do not have a conversation in progress by cellphone. Very often more than half the people are connected.
Because of the internet and computer technology, it is possible to have video conversations with persons halfway around the world or on another floor of your own workplace. Then there is the texting which also seems ubiquitous; texting is fast making a mockery of such skills as spelling and grammar, not to mention fully developed sentences. LOL!
Cellphone cameras provide a multitude of images that are for ourselves alone or for sharing, but the written word loses out in the competition for attention from others. I like and use these methods of communication, but I prefer face to face conversation or quiet and a good book, even if it is on my Kindle.
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