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Put the Smart Phone Down

According to one scientific experiment, people sitting together at the same table had less deep conversations even if their phones were just on the table, not ringing, not being used, but just there. You can guess what happened to the conversations with people actively on their phones and you can probably guess where this is going with people who's phones were not around.

Ive noticed in my own life these things. I try to keep my phone away when I am hanging out with another person, unless we are just bumming around. If the other person also has their phone away, Ive noticed its much easier to get into conversations about much deeper topics without the distraction. When someones phone is out, I just assume they're going to pick it up at any given moment and when they are using it, I just stop talking. Whats the point? You dont actually care about what Im saying so I just keep it short and simple. I hate the "oh, Im still listening, keep going". No. As much as I hate talking over another person, I will not talk over your phone and pine for your attention. If you're always on your phone around me, chances are we probably will not become friends for the long haul.

I also hate when people interrupt conversations to look up and fact check everything. What did we do in the "old days" when we totally brain farted? We got confused, we talked through it and moved on. Looking it up on your phone, completely takes away from the conversation and it bothers me so much. That was one thing I kinda enjoy, being confused and talking things through with someone like: "what kind of bird was that? oh man, I can't remember!" and discussing. Now the answer is: hold this conversation for five minutes while I look it up... ugh. Some times its nice to look things up. Dont get me wrong, I ask my dude to look things up on his phone a lot. But Id much rather just not know. Its not so much about the knowledge itself but discussing and having a flowing conversation.

Having instant socializing at your fingertips is so nice. And makes you feel so good! I can text anyone I want, whenever I want. But I dont text a lot of people because Im living in the now and I probably think about you a lot but there are people in front of me and all around that I can have a legit convo with, instead of words on a screen. I love that my friends are like this too. I love chatting with my friends on the phone every few months, writing letters and sending the occasional text, but its not constant. I know they feel the same way. We love each other, but dont need each other.

So anyway, Im sick and tired of the rude phone usage thats happening with not just the "younger" generation, but everyone! I know older people who are just as addicted to their device as some of my 20 year old friends. Think about it this way. If I was sitting on my phone, not looking at you and giving you the attention you deserve, would you feel a little sad? Have some respect, put it away, put it out of sight, out of mind. And if you seriously need to check your phone for some reason (better be good) then be polite and ask first. "Hey you mind if I text my sister real quick?"  and I would reply with a "Of course! Thanks for being so courteous!"

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