by Indy Anna

Created on: May 04, 2008

Why do people feel so attached to their cell phones that they have to be talking on them day and night? I'm not saying I'm against the technology, I'm not exactly a Luddite of sorts, but I do believe that there are times that when cell phones are an absolute taboo. Am I wrong to feel like throttling that numb skull who has his or her phone ringing every five minutes?

I used to work in a donut shop and I have to say my biggest complaint was always without fail the individual who constantly talked on the cell phone. As a cashier trying to compete for attention with the business man who couldn't tear himself from the conversation just to order himself a cup of coffee was unbelievably frustrating. In my book there is nothing more rude. Many a time I had to take a deep breath and just wish for lightening to strike all the while smiling like a puppet. But I'm going to say it; bring on the ban, I will clap my hands and give praise to the heavens!

In all honesty, I can really see why restaurant owners want the phone to be banned from their premises. People really don't get it, just because phones are not illegal it doesn't mean that they aren't disruptive. Believe it or not people will fork out hundreds of dollars to eat at some of those high end Restaurants, they pay for the expensive wines and gourmet cuisine, why can't they pay to have a cell phone free zone as well. Could you imagine trying to propose to your fiance with ten cell phones blaring ten different types of ring tones all at once? Talk about spoiling the romance.

A restaurant can possibly impose a vibrator mode policy, but really folks how many people will either forget or just plain disregard such a policy. The thing I notice about cell phone users is once that bell rings that person is in a completely different world. That lovely woman who was so nice moments ago has become a complete stranger at the sound of the ring tone. Why? Phone conversations are very different, people tend to be more aggressive, expressive and much louder simply because the other person is not in front of them and they have to convey their meanings without the benefit of eye contact. It is all about sincerity, it is much more difficult to come across as genuine by voice alone. This too may prove to be disruptive to other patrons who are trying to enjoy a quiet meal time.

If you use a noisy device such as a radio there are laws in place that can cost a you some hefty fines; yet there are no laws defining the use of cell phones or dealing with complaints associated with them. Give it time, someone will force some acts into place. This technology is still relatively new. In the mean time, I think people should use a little discretion and common sense. Cell phones are not a right but a privilege, please use them wisely.

Learn more about this author, Indy Anna.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.