As of last week I now have a cell phone. More accurately, we have one cell phone for the family. I hope we only use it to cut long distance costs but I've already observed some strange, addict-like use of text messaging...and I think I'm gonna need some help to set guidelines around the house.
Just like buying a particular car makes a person notice the same make and model more while driving, suddenly everything is "cell phone." Not that I could miss it, but I'm seeing the hubbub over the iPhone (Example: In the last week or so, Future Tense's Jon Gordon has blogged [see wavLength] eight entries relating to the iPhone.) and then this morning I spied Public Insight Journalism is asking "Does your cell phone improve communication – or divide your attention?" (Feel free to inform the newsroom, just click that link.)
Is controlling behavior with a cell phone so difficult? I've already turned it off a couple times and made sure it was left behind when we went out for dinner, but I can already see it becoming a favored tool around the house. Check the time? Get the cell phone. Check the weather? Get the cell phone. To do list, calendar, contacts.... all in the cell phone. So far the only strict limits we've kept is no talking while driving and turning it off while we eat.
How do you use your cell phone? How should people use cell phones? I'll hang up and listen.
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Julia Schrenkler
Minnesota Public Radio Interactive Producer
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Comments: 26
Smart use, Connie. Do you two routinely keep in touch - like scheduled check-ins or somesuch?
We got my oldest daughter one for her to be able to call home when she was done with after school activities and needed a ride. She text messages alot. Since the 9th of June she has sent 1,559 text and pics. This about normal for her. We got her a great plan for text messaging.
62 min - total.
If not for the company phone, I'd probably have one in the car for emergency use, but it would never occur to me to use it otherwise. I'll never give up my land line, it's far more reliable.
I just started texting and have to admit it's a nice little feature when I want to contact someone but wouldn't be able to hear them very well; such as at a restaurant or other loud place.
Other ways I use my cell: It's my alarm clock (Under my pillow, set to vibrate & low volume that gradually gets louder), my timer when I'm grilling, how I check the time since I never wear a watch, and a handy little tool for voice reminders when inspiration strikes- I take voice notes all the time.
Gulp! Adair K.,, glad you have a good plan. 1,559 text and pics since June 9? Whew. To think we made it through our teenaged years without a cell phone...
Sounds like you really do keep it for specific use and emergencies, Linda C. We probably cranked through that many minutes in the first 2 days!
See, Pat S.,, that's why I've avoided one for years. I've seen coworkers stuck on their cell phones and found them to be an electronic leash. I don't like leashes.
Alison, oh great... now you've given me new uses for the cell phone :-) Audio notes... hmmm The "typed" notes function is nice, I made a list for Menards on it and that was REALLY handy.
But my kid uses two as the primary phones in their house as they have no land phones and the last one is a business phone, as all five are on the same business account. He uses that phone which is attached to the internet and has a full keyboard for email and attachments, for business. I can't even call him on that phone as he also carries another normal cell phone. His hours are normally between 1,500 and 2,000 a month.
My text? ya got to be kidding. None of us actually do that.
I also have three corded and two wireless 5.8 mh rf phones in our house. I use 2.4 mh wireless rf for a home internet connection, but also an Ethernet conection in the house. I'm saving the 900mh rf for audio sound some day, maybe.
"I just don't like being available to everyone at all times." - Zeldapie We could be sisters.
A rather large pocket watch... that's probably the most apt description I've read in a long time Frick.
I have a cell phone. I have it for calling friends of for emergencies. But I am tired of people pretending that no one can hear them while they are talking on their phones. The most intimate details of someone's life is shot into the cell phone while at the grocery store, the movies, heck, just about anywhere.
The most egregious case occurred while I was waiting in the check-out line at the grocery store. The women ahead of me was talking into her Blue Tooth headset. I guess she was a doctor. She was asking whoever was on the other end about someone's, well, health. "How much pus?" was part of the conversation.
Yesterday I was at the movies. Yes, the theater puts a notice on the screen asking that everyone turn off their phones. They're smoking opium, as far as I could tell. l heard little beeps, squirps, and yes, Beethoven's Fifth playing all over the theater.
The newest innovation? I work in a doctor's office. The doctors are complaining because the patients keep answering their cell phones during their visit with the doctor. Hello? Can't you turn the darned thing off for 20 minutes during the appointment YOU requested?
My personal cell phone is always turned off and only have it for emergencies. I don't even know the number!
i do keep lots of phone numbers in it for safekeeping...
i never ever use it while driving....
In case of emergency, people can always get ahold of my by regular phone or e-mail on my computer. Otherwise, tough luck. My 21 yr. old son has a cell phone and hubby was "forced" to get one for work......he's a trucker and drives from Iowa to Illinois.........I have NO need at all for one, though!!!!! And, I do just fine without!!