Monday Musings - Mobile phones, Curse or Blessing?

Thoughts about the use of our little indispensable devices. I love and hate them at the same time. How do you handle the use of your mobile phone?

Some thoughts about the Use of our best Friends...

Coffee break with my smartphone
(Insta)Gramming in Paris - Photo by Jean-Philippe Combeau
 

Coffee Break with Disruptions

It was one of those situations. I was looking forward to a quiet coffee after my gym workout. A beautiful sunny day, perfect to sit „al fresco“ in my favorite coffee shop. So I grab my double espresso (NOT „to go“, of course) and look for a nice place outside. I sit down next to an older gentleman who takes out his cell phone and begins to shout into his „handy“ as we call these little mobile phones in Germany. After five minutes I know quite a few details of his business life and decide to grab a more quiet seat next to a couple. However, it gets worse. „My name is Vladimir, like Putin“, shouts the guy into his phone. The call ends soon but my joy does not last too long – Vladimir now shows a few photos to a lady who constantly says „WOW“ with high volume. Soon after 25 wows, Vladimir calls again – and the whole neighborhood can listen to his negotiations over the phone. I quickly check my e-mails and decide to go home to enjoy some silence.

Digital Detox

How crazy is that? Why do people think that their phone conversations are interesting for others as well? OK, I am not at a phone guy, and I only give my mobile number to very few people—no problem going against the grain (again). As much as I am into Instagram, I set myself limits. I never use my cell phone in the street, during meals, or in the gym. Can you believe that I have seen a guy working out with a dumbbell in his left hand and a cell phone in the right one, exercising while talking?

Calling while driving?

We have probably all run into people in the streets who watch their cell phones instead of traffic. I am sure you have bumped into others while being absorbed with what's happening on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. A friend used to call me from her bike with a gasping voice. I don't even want to talk about those focusing on texting or social media while driving. And people sitting in a restaurant and using their phones. Another common quirk is for the caller to hear a Bollywood song rather than a ringtone.

For others it is important to always have the latest mobile phone type. I really don`t care. How many functions do I know and use? And why would I throw away a device after two years and harm the environment?

Always reachable

A Spanish friend ALWAYS answers his cell phone – no matter what he is doing or what time it is. We were having dinner at a restaurant when his cell phone rang. You could hear a loud "Si" all over the place before he went outside to continue the call. His cell phone is always within reach, even during the night. Sure, his boss may call at midnight (which has happened) to discuss an important subject which by no means can wait until the next morning. 

My bedroom is off-limits for any electronic device. In bed, I either sleep or do something else that does not require a mobile phone :-).

Japan seems to be a role model for the use of cell phones. Train commuters are asked to switch their phones do "manner mode" (silent or vibrate). Social harmony is highly valued, so a phone should never be a disturbance to others. That means, if someone's phone does ring in public, the user will usually silence it very quickly and look flustered. Countries like Italy and Spain are precisely the contrary. People love to talk about anything, anywhere. People are not averse to discussing their personal lives in public at great length. Meetings and wherever else they may be. It looks to me as this is also becoming a trend in Germany.

What do you think about this cell phone mania? Let me know.

The use of smart phones has a lot to do with mindfulness, you may wish to read my toughts about this subject

Put that damn thing away
Checking my mails at the Dubai Mall - oh well...
 

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