Are we addicted to our electronic gadgets?

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
I had to take my car for a recall repair last week. I waited for it in the service lounge. When I walked in there were 3 other people my age or older and 2 had their cells phones out and one had a laptop up and running (they have WIFI there). As I waited, two other people entered and as soon as they sat down, out came the cell phones. I was the only one that had a book! When I had my last sale, a woman got out of her car and proceeded to pace up and down the public siewalk for 20 minutes in front of my house as she talked on her phone (I though she was picketing my sale). Another older man had a phone with earbuds. Why do these people feel the need to be in constant contact with someone?
 

I like the old days - if you weren't home when someone called, they had to call back. No caller ID, conference calling, automatic redial, call waiting, forwarding, texting or call blocking. I am a Luddite and proud of it. I still have a landline phone (no cell). I do, however, allow myself a clunker of a desktop computer and basic cable TV.
 

I lean towards being a Luddite.

For me, it is about choosing the technology that is appropriate for me and the way that I choose to live.

I'm more than willing to add to my arsenal of electronic gadgets if the item will enhance my life more than it will complicate it.

My gripe right now is the addition of all the various electronic safety features to automobiles. I don't really need or want the electronic protection features. IMO it's a way for the automotive industry to defray the cost and experiment with the technology needed to develop autonomous vehicles.
 
I'm definitely not connected to any devices, although not too long ago I bought my first smartphone. I use it like my old Tracfone, basically for emergencies or short calls to my husband and when I get home I shut it down.

I have used it now and then while waiting for take out in a pizza place or restaurant, comes in handy to easily pass the time. Lots of times I'll just grab a magazine like at the dentist, etc. Our generation just didn't use such electronic devices, but I can understand why many folks these days do. My only grip is when they text while driving, other than that it's really a non-issue for me, whatever makes them happy.
 
I think excess use of technology can be harmful to our physical and emotional health. We forget to be mindful. We forget how to converse. It's not good for brain health. I do use cell phones because I have responsibilities and find them useful if my car breaks down to call AAA. But I don't need or want to be online every five minutes. It's so refreshing to take a break from it all. Kudos to those of use who still read books in waiting rooms. I do too.
 
debodun said:
I had to take my car for a recall repair last week. I waited for it in the service lounge. When I walked in there were 3 other people my age or older and 2 had their cells phones out and one had a laptop up and running (they have WIFI there). As I waited, two other people entered and as soon as they sat down, out came the cell phones. I was the only one that had a book! When I had my last sale, a woman got out of her car and proceeded to pace up and down the public siewalk for 20 minutes in front of my house as she talked on her phone (I though she was picketing my sale). Another older man had a phone with earbuds. Why do these people feel the need to be in constant contact with someone?
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Deodun. Because waiting for something is borrring.
 
I once was talking to someone I knew and her phone rang mid-sentence. She proceeded to answer the phone and talk to the person on the phone. I take my phone with me in the car but it stays there because of that. Something like that used to be considered rude. Guess not anymore.
 
So far we are never on the phone unless it is important. We pay $25 every 3 months for phone. We have over 140 minutes rolled over now. We have a land line we use. But I do stay online too much so guess I'm addicted to forums and info.
 
I have the various gadgets, the PC, the Smart Phone, the Tablet,
but only take the phone out with me to use as a phone if needed
and on the odd occasion as a Camera.

The reason I have and use the PC plus he others is because I watched
my father die of boredom, he didn't have such devices as we have, he
had a portable typewriter and wrote stories that he sent off somewhere,
sadly all were rejected, I still have that typewriter and it always reminds
me how lucky I am to be able to have friends all around the World that
I can communicate with, it keeps me and my brain active.

Mike.
 
All I have is a laptop and a flip phone.

But I would say I am addicted to the internet.

If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here.

Anyone that is here on a regular basis and says they are not addicted is in denial.
 
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Yes, I have a cell phone. No I do not answer it if it rings while I am in a line up. Yes, I am on this computer as I am interested in what others talk about but I only spend about 15 min unless I have something to say. Waiting in doctor's offices and other appointment is boring so I play a game on my phone while waiting (as soon as I am called phone is put away). If I know an appointment is going to be long, yes I take a book with me.
 
I'm not addicted to my electronic devices
In 2011 I bought my 1st and last computer,not really knowing how to use it,learned as I went along. In 2008,my siblings&co-workers strongly suggested I buy a cell phone for emergencies since I walked to work,esp in winter when it was dark
I take my flip cellphone everywhere with me just to be on the safe side
I no longer have my computer,bought a Chromebook 2 months ago.I basically use it to ck my emails/find out what's happening in the world,come here 2-3 times/day,do my monthly'church job'
I survived without having electronic devices before, I could probably do it again
 
I wonder where the money is coming from the kids spend on all their devices. I'm not talking middle class mommies & daddies but people at or below the poverty line. It's not the U.S. but the entire world.
 
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