What the heck is it about cell phones????

[Robert Maxwell]

I didn't get a cell until about 2 years ago, if that's any indication how resistant I was to them. I was the last person to get one, out of pretty much everyone I knew.

That said, blaming cell phones for people acting like assholes is giving the assholes a pass. The phone didn't turn them into one.

There are a lot of assholes on the Internet, but do we blame the Internet for making people into assholes? Of course not. No one seriously doubts the utility of the Internet, either.

Considering how many kids get started on after school activities so young, yeah, I can see 6-year-olds having cell phones. Hell, it might even help cut down on kidnappings, if a potential 'napper knows every damn kid has a cell and he might not be able to figure out where it is quickly enough to get rid of it and make a clean getaway.

There are absolutely rude people with cell phones, but they are rude regardless. The phone just makes it more evident. It's an additional opportunity to look like an asshole.

I have actually noticed the anti-cell phone attitude is most prevalent in what I'd call "geek" or "nerd" communities, TrekBBS being a prime example, but I've seen it in other sci-fi forums, comic book forums, etc. Basically, "people like us" aren't so big on vocal communication, so we don't really see the need to be available by phone 24/7. I certainly don't like talking on the phone very much. I'd prefer to deal in person or in text (email, IM, forum, etc.)

But our attitude is relatively rare. Most people love their cell phones and consider them essential communication tools. They love talking and texting. They love being able to reach their friends, family, and kids anytime, anywhere. I think it's just a difficult mindset for a lot of us to relate to.

 

[Dar70]

We didnt have them when we were kids. We either had babysitters or were in school. Seriously a 6 year old doesnt need a phone.

Agreed.

It totally depends on the situation. If a 6-year old kid is by himself for a good chunk of the afternoon after school, you bet a phone is necessary in keeping track of him.

My nephew knows that his phone is only for emergencies or for something really important. A lot of kids today are more mature than we were at their age, generally because circumstances force them to be.

I was under the impression that 6 year olds are not allowed to be left home alone.

 

[Ryan]

Also, what home phone? Please. You think those will exist in 30 years? You want Jim you call Jim. You want Mary you call Mary. Why would you call a house? You don't want to talk to the house!

Well, I get unlimited local calling on my land line and none of the hassles of dropped calls, dead batteries, and calling plans that require an advanced degree to decipher. All that and it's cheaper.

Really, I kinda feel sorry for kids now. I would have had a lot less fun growing up if my parents could have told me to go home at any time. Even now I keep my cellphone muted most the time.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Also, what home phone? Please. You think those will exist in 30 years? You want Jim you call Jim. You want Mary you call Mary. Why would you call a house?

Because that's where whoever I want to talk to, will be. And if they're NOT at home, they probably don't want to talk, so why bother them in that case?

I could give a damn what will or will not exist, phone-wise, in 30 years. Or in 30 frickin' DAYS for that matter. All that matters is *now*. And right now, I don't need any of this fancy shit. It's too expensive, and it's feature bloat to the Nth degree.

And as I said, I am required to have a landline. My security system won't work without it. So if I'm resigned to having a landline anyway, and it gives me all the phone service I need, why should I get a cellphone that I will NOT need?

 

[Kelthaz]

I have actually noticed the anti-cell phone attitude is most prevalent in what I'd call "geek" or "nerd" communities, TrekBBS being a prime example, but I've seen it in other sci-fi forums, comic book forums, etc. Basically, "people like us" aren't so big on vocal communication, so we don't really see the need to be available by phone 24/7. I certainly don't like talking on the phone very much. I'd prefer to deal in person or in text (email, IM, forum, etc.)

Yeah, I agree with this. I've been making pro-cell phone comments, but I'm mainly talking about other people. I'll probably get a cell phone instead of a landline as soon as I stop living with roommates, but I'm in no rush. I'm not much of a talker and I doubt I'll ever text anyone, but they are good for an emergency.

Of course, most people (kids included) aren't like us and they like talking and texting. They even like making *shudders* small talk. God knows why, but they do.

 

[nx1701g]

The Simpsons made fun of this tonight...

 

[Dar70]

The Simpsons made fun of this tonight...

Just saw it. Heres the first nine minutes with the cells.(Image is backwards but you get the gist of it.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_dEq_6GikY

 

[Islander]

I have actually noticed the anti-cell phone attitude is most prevalent in what I'd call "geek" or "nerd" communities, TrekBBS being a prime example, but I've seen it in other sci-fi forums, comic book forums, etc. Basically, "people like us" aren't so big on vocal communication, so we don't really see the need to be available by phone 24/7. I certainly don't like talking on the phone very much. I'd prefer to deal in person or in text (email, IM, forum, etc.)

Yeah, I agree with this. I've been making pro-cell phone comments, but I'm mainly talking about other people. I'll probably get a cell phone instead of a landline as soon as I stop living with roommates, but I'm in no rush. I'm not much of a talker and I doubt I'll ever text anyone, but they are good for an emergency.

Of course, most people (kids included) aren't like us and they like talking and texting. They even like making *shudders* small talk. God knows why, but they do.

I agree with this as well. The only reason I have a cellphone now is because I actually work for the cellphone company. Since then I have then cancel my landline instead, but with my daughter going to high school next year, it's kind of becoming inevitable. Meh! I get everything at 50% off, so what the heck!

 

[Snaploud]

My girlfriend started a new cellphone plan about a year ago. Sprint wouldn't let her purchase the plan without giving them a landline phone number for their records. Talk about being behind the times....

 

[Random_Spock]

There's no such thing as being too young to have a cell phone. My nephew is only six years old and has one so my sister can keep in touch with him when she's at work. He knows how to work his cell better than I do.

Plug 'em into the Collective early, I guess...

Yea I guess.

But it's still rather young to be getting kids cell phones.

Heck I don't even like the things... they end up going in and out in terms of being able to talk to someone. I personally like 'land lines' better. They were more reliable.

 

[ialfan]

If I ever were to have kids I wouldn't let them have cell phones until at least thirteen. I didn't get one until age fifteen myself.

 

[Cutter John]

It wouldn't bug me so much if they had some sort of 'kids' phone. That let you store just 2-4 numbers (Home, parents workplaces, and a friend) just for when the kid needs to keep in touch with the parents, or vice versa.

Cel phones aren't really evil per se, its the dumbasses who don't seem to know how to use them responsibly. i.e. using them at the movies and while driving and the ever popular 'sharing your private conversation with everyone within 20 feet'.

Oh and texting. Dear God don't get me started on texting...

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

It wouldn't bug me so much if they had some sort of 'kids' phone. That let you store just 2-4 numbers (Home, parents workplaces, and a friend) just for when the kid needs to keep in touch with the parents, or vice versa.

I've seen phones like that - phones with no keypad, just premade buttons that somehow can have numbers programmed into them (I don't know how, if the phone has no keypad) so the kid can only dial those places.

Here's a link.

 

[Tulin]

Texting is better than shouting your obnoxious conversation out so all the world can hear.

My partner and I really only use our phones(both prepaids)for texting. It's cheaper and you are forced to convey the message simply and quickly.

If I ever have to ring somebody on the mobile I say what I have to and get off.

 

[John Picard]

My girlfriend started a new cellphone plan about a year ago. Sprint wouldn't let her purchase the plan without giving them a landline phone number for their records. Talk about being behind the times....

I canceled my landline service last year once I was able to get wireless Internet for my home PC. The telephone company tried all kinds of scare tactics for me to keep the landline and even offered "Basic" service at $9/month with a limit on 15 free calls. Every call after that would be 25-cents. No thanks. A friend of mine endured the same treatment from the phone company when he canceled his landline.

My cell phone is my only phone, and unlike 90% of the population, I do not feel the need to answer it every time it rings.

 

[jefferiestubes8]

children owning cellphones

I heard in the UK children have cellphones around age 8. In the US most kids have them by age 11 or 12. These are from studies and polls. We live in a different world now where cellphones and computers are a necessity to succeed in business. That starts early way before kids prepare to take the SAT & go off to college. Their communication skills are very important and managing time and relationships.

I believe that a prepaid cellphone (limited voice minutes) is a good idea as to a child it helps them learn about budgeting and the value of something. When the voice minutes are up that is it.
Parents should choose to build part of a prepaid cellphone monthly cost into an allowance furthering the thought of it (voice minutes) as a virtual currency.
Paying for an unlimited voice/data/text plan for a child does not teach them anything and actually encourages them to be irresponsible with limiting the time they use it.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Texting is better than shouting your obnoxious conversation out so all the world can hear.

And actually talking to the person in person is even better than that. But I guess that would make too much sense.

 

[RoJoHen]

Texting is better than shouting your obnoxious conversation out so all the world can hear.

And actually talking to the person in person is even better than that. But I guess that would make too much sense.

Yes, because people text each other when they're in each other's company.

Texting is a really convenient and fast way to make plans with people if actually calling them is not an option. It's also nice because they're not forced to answer a phone call if it's inconvenient. They can reply whenever they have a chance.

I really hate it when people are opposed to technology just so they can be opposed to technology.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Texting is better than shouting your obnoxious conversation out so all the world can hear.

And actually talking to the person in person is even better than that. But I guess that would make too much sense.

Yes, because people text each other when they're in each other's company.

Texting is a really convenient and fast way to make plans with people if actually calling them is not an option. It's also nice because they're not forced to answer a phone call if it's inconvenient. They can reply whenever they have a chance.

I really hate it when people are opposed to technology just so they can be opposed to technology.

Same here. I didn't own a cell phone until it truly became necessary for me to have one. I ended up traveling a lot, and I had kids, so I needed my wife to be able to reach me. Before I needed one, I didn't have one! That wasn't really a problem with the phones, though, it was just a lack of necessity on my part.

 

[Lindley]

I technically "had" a cell phone from about 2001. But I don't think I used that one even once, and it disappeared in early 2003 I think.

My father bought me another one in.....2005, I think. I still have that one. I'm on a 60 minutes per month plan, which isn't too expensive.