The problem with mobile phones

[Fassa Albrecht]

I rely on my mobile quite heavily for a lot of things- family, university stuff, shopping, band...etc.

But I've noticed one slight problem- you can ignore a phone. Pretty much what's been happening to me with the major problem that I can't get hold of the very people I need to.

Not that but I've had the usual bull**** excuses about 'my phone was on charge' or 'I didn't take my phone'.

I will confess I am guilty of this- I missed what would have been my first ever university performance because I didn't check my text messages,.

Anyone else think this??

[Disco_Gee]

Nope. I think the problem with mobile phones is that people use them too much. I purposely ignore my phone when I don't feel like answering it, and I almost NEVER answer it if I'm at dinner, or in a conversation with someone. I get pretty annoyed when I'm talking to someone and they reach down and answer their phone without even saying something like "excuse, do you mind if I answer this?". Common courtesy seems to have been forgotten since the mobile phone was invented.

Sometimes people have complained that I am too difficult to get in touch with, and that I shouldn't have a phone if I'm not going to answer it. I tell them that I pay the phone bill so that I can have a phone for MY convenience, not theirs. If they want me to be on call 24/7, they can start paying my phone bills.

[Fassa Albrecht]

One of the issues I have is that for uni and band purposes, we're pretty much expected to have one and so anyone who doesn't is ostracised in a way.

[SpectorBass308]

The ignore button on my Cell is one of its best features. IMO

[Thunderscreech]

The Mobile Phone is an electronic leash. Thus, I only answer when i feel like it. What really pisses me off is people call, and leave no message, and then get made because I didn't answer.

[Tsal]

Originally Posted by Thunderscreech

The Mobile Phone is an electronic leash. Thus, I only answer when i feel like it. What really pisses me off is people call, and leave no message, and then get made because I didn't answer.

Maybe they expect you to be polite and answer a call?

I don't know who I could ignore, since the only people who would be calling me are my friends, my parents or someone with a good reason. If you can't answer the phone or miss the call, I think it's a good habit to return the call during the same day or on the following morning.

[Jiggybass]

I only don't answer if I'm driving, (stick, I always end up dropping the phone while shifting), at dinner, or having a serious discussion with whomever.

[playinpearls]

i only answer my phone if i'm in a situation where i can hear them perfectly and feel like talking. I hate talking on the phone. while i'm at practices, work, dinner, conversationing...i never answer it. if i dont know the number, i dont answer it. I have voicemail, leave a message!

[JustOpenYourMind]

A phone is a phone, nowadays, you can see who's calling on regular house phones and choose to ignore them. I don't think it has anything to do with it being portable. If I'm doing something important and a friend calls, I won't answer, I'll just call them back later.

I mean, if people want to avoid you, they can certainly do it with any form of media.

[KeithBMI]

I usually don't ignore anyone.

[Lorenzini]

I really dislike being attached to a mobile phone and people basically obligating you to pick it up no matter what.

I pick it up when I want to be contacted, and if I'm busy, I'm busy! We wouldn't pick up a phone while we're on the bandstand, so why should we if we're having a conversation with someone, or at work?

Or how about when someone calls and you text back, and they call you and say "why didn't you pick up your phone??"

IMO cellphones are great but annoying in that respect.

[Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by KeithBMI

I usually don't ignore anyone.

It doesn't bother you to get interuppted while you're in the middle of something?

[Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by Tsal

[...]I think it's a good habit to return the call during the same day or on the following morning.

Sure, I agree with this completely. Returning calls is fine. It's the demand that someone pick up no matter what that bothers me.

[gonzorob]

My personal cell phone is my own personal call screener. I almost never answer it unless I am expecting a call. If they don't leave a message I don't call back.


My work cell is a different story. I run a help desk and it rings constantly.

I have been conditioned to cring everytime a phone rings because of this. (even when its not my phone.)

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Disco_Gee

Nope. I think the problem with mobile phones is that people use them too much. I purposely ignore my phone when I don't feel like answering it, and I almost NEVER answer it if I'm at dinner, or in a conversation with someone. I get pretty annoyed when I'm talking to someone and they reach down and answer their phone without even saying something like "excuse, do you mind if I answer this?". Common courtesy seems to have been forgotten since the mobile phone was invented.

Sometimes people have complained that I am too difficult to get in touch with, and that I shouldn't have a phone if I'm not going to answer it. I tell them that I pay the phone bill so that I can have a phone for MY convenience, not theirs. If they want me to be on call 24/7, they can start paying my phone bills.

Great post. Just because you have a phone doesn't mean you need to or should answer it at all times. Things used to have to wait until you got home. I would think it could wait until you were done talking face to face.

[MakiSupaStar]

shut up fassa. I will now text, email, and leave this message on your voice mail. If you like I can also post it on your facebook and myspace account.