Just need a little self-discipline - Reader comments at The New York Sun

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Reader comment on:
Cell Phone Holdouts: It's Not 1990 Anymore

Submitted by Diane, Jun 30, 2007 16:51

My husband and I have had cell phones for a few years now. We hardly use them. They do come in handy for emergencies, if you're lost, things like that. I have only about ten people in the address book. Hubby and I have so many roll-over minutes, they would probably last us a year. When I speak on the phone while in a public place, I cover my mouth with my hand so no one hears me. I hate having long conversations on my cell -- it's too much of a pain -- and I rarely walk around while on the phone, preferring to stop somewhere to have a conversation. When I'm in school or work, I turn it off or on silent. I do not receive email on my phone, even though I could switch on that function if I wanted. No email is so important that it can't wait until I get home. I don't want t o be followed around down by data.

All it takes is a little self-discipline. I have been out with people who sit at dinner or at cocktails with their cell phone on the table. God forbid they miss a call. My cousin's 19 year old daughter is constantly texting her friends while out with family; I observed her do this the first time she visited NYC. While I understand that she may have been very excited about walking around the big city, her sending text messages took away from the experience -- for us, her relatives, as we felt our company was somehow deemed unworthy of her full attention, but also certainly for her, as she could not fully participate in what was happening at the moment.

It is all so very sad. No wonder the current generation of young people, known as Echo Boomers, are unwilling and ill-equipped to take leadership roles. They are always looking for concensus and cannot make a decision on their own. I would think that dependence on cell phones is a direct contributing factor.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
I disagree that cell phones decrease the quality of communication since it is each person's own decision how they want... [MORE]	Becci	Aug 2, 2007 06:05
I have a cell but don't use it. I got a really cheap plan from Sprint and it's only to... [MORE]	Natalie	Jul 5, 2007 18:55
My sister is utterly incapable of planning ahead. Back in the BCP (Before Cell Phone) era, I'd try to plan... [MORE]	Imp	Jul 5, 2007 15:49
I got a cell phone solely for the purpose of being able to call should I be stuck in traffic... [MORE]	Carolyn	Jul 4, 2007 19:27
I didn't want a cell phone, for a multitude of reasons, the largest being that I felt it would turn... [MORE]	Naomi	Jul 3, 2007 21:34
I live in a narrow, deep valley that makes cell phone transmission impossible. Therefore I've never owned a cell. Once... [MORE]	Dave Charles	Jul 3, 2007 18:23
Cell phones aren't the problem. The problem is people who have no manners whatsoever and feel the need to broadcast... [MORE]	Grimace	Jul 3, 2007 12:05
So the writer can't live without her cell. Too bad. I say she should get a life. I have had... [MORE]	Lorraine	Jul 2, 2007 20:18
I wish these devices never came into use. I personally don't like them very much. They are a dangerous distraction... [MORE]	Paul	Jul 1, 2007 23:55
Same thing with me. I bought a pre-paid and only use it when neccessary or in emergencies and only pay... [MORE]	John	Jul 4, 2007 04:17
Somehow I happened on your article. I myself find the cell phone revolution a catch 22 and you nailed it... [MORE]	Mike	Jul 1, 2007 21:49
Cell phones have their place but also are a hindrance. Driving and talking continuosly is one. Interruptions at stores and... [MORE]	Ira P. Antin	Jun 30, 2007 17:02
i think using a cellphone while driving isnt a great idea, considering the amount of accidents that occur while doing... [MORE]	Jennifer	Nov 28, 2007 15:34
its not safe or a smart thing to do [MORE]	Jennifer	Nov 28, 2007 15:36
My husband and I have had cell phones for a few years now. We hardly use them. They do come...	Diane	Jun 30, 2007 16:51
Your article tells us more about people than it does about cellular telephones. The #1 reason given in divorse court... [MORE]	Kenneth Parady	Jun 30, 2007 10:02
I was a cell -phone holdout for a while and my husband still is. All of this is true, and the... [MORE]	Mari	Jun 29, 2007 13:39
You nailed it when you said rudeness and cell phones go together. All of this began in the 80's with... [MORE]	Bob Nolan	Jun 29, 2007 05:39
No one has my number. I don't even know my number. If someone needs to reach me they can call... [MORE]	Sonni Standefer	Jul 2, 2007 11:56
I don't have a cell phone. Once in a great while I need one and thanks to the generosity of... [MORE]	Jo Anne Brieff	Jul 2, 2007 12:54

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Cell Phone Holdouts: It's Not 1990 Anymore