by Mary Fonvielle

Created on: November 03, 2008

The world has become such an impersonal place. Between the Internet and its on-line "reality games" and cell phones with which you don't even have to use your voice to communicate anymore- whatever happened to talking, connecting? It seems we cannot even tear ourselves away from those little boxes for an hour- not even to share a meal with someone.

I was out with a friend a few years ago. We're about to eat, and- her phone rings. She answers and it's the boyfriend. An hour later she hangs up and I have no idea why I am still sitting there. No apology or explanation is offered to make up for an hour of listening to one side of some lighthearted banter, just a harsh sigh followed by a comment about how she doesn't even like the guy.

I do not deny that cell phones are a wonderful tool. When I'm travelling I feel safer knowing I have a means of contact if something were to happen. My mom and I catch up with eachother every morning from opposite ends of the state while we both get ready for our days. As soon as I am at my destination however, whether it be a class building or shop or something else, *snap!* My phone is closed and stays in my purse until I leave.

It isn't a safety issue. No one is suggesting that we ban the very presence of these machines. All you have to do is turn it off. Not so hard, is it? And wait- you don't even need to turn it all the way off! Technology has given us the vibrating cell phone, and "silent mode."On top of that we have called ID, so that you can distinguish the difference between your friend calling, probably to ask whether you caught the latest episode of such and such, or if it's your child or a family member, who might be calling about an accident. The real issue here is politeness. People will understand if you take a call to handle a problem, but if you take 20 to have a chat? Not so much. The reason we spend time with others is to actually spend time with them, not them and their cell phones. Using them for full conversations in situations such as dining out is just plain rude; not only to those with whom you are dining, but also those around you whose idea of a nice evening probably did not include hearing you speak loudly over your phone to make sure your friend can hear you alright.

It is time we as people learn how to be personable again, before the ideas of socializing, family and friendship become too redifined. The balance of humans and machines is tipped right now, but it is not that hard to reset.

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