The Retort

Cell Phones, Necessity or Addiction?

October 23rd, 2009 by Ken Cunningham For The Retort

I’m down with cell phones, really. They’ve become almost a necessity in the 21st century. There are many reasons for this, especially for personal security, or calling for help when you’re in an accident. They take pictures and movies, surf the internet, and give you access to the blogosphere.

But what is up with this epidemic of cell phone addiction?! I cannot believe how many times I’ve seen someone driving while using their cell phone. It’s bad enough that almost every student is on their phone every free minute they have between classes. It’s even more disturbing how many students are texting in class. What could be so important to text somebody that couldn’t wait an hour or so?

But the real madness is people texting while driving. Research has shown that 80 percent of all automobile accidents, and 65 percent of near accidents, are caused by distractions. Texting while driving has a greater impact on safety than driving drunk! The stopping distance from 70 mph increased by four feet while drunk, reading an e-mail added 36 feet, and sending a text added 70 feet.

I’ll admit that I’m from another era. I was born in the fifties. I didn’t grow up on personal computers and cell phones. Texting to me is insane. How do you press those tiny little buttons over and over again? What does a smiley face mean anyway? I don’t even know how to speak in “textese.” But I’m willing to learn something new. I am currently suffering from cognitive dissonance in this area. The disequilibrium is making my head spin.

So, if you would like to help me out and set me straight on how and why using a cell phone and texting is so important, why don’t you stop me in the hall, or in the library, or in the dining hall, or wherever, and TALK TO ME...FACE TO FACE. Maybe then I will begin to understand. If you need to get a hold of me before we meet in person, I’m in the phone book.

You know, that heavy yellow book you find at your front door every few months. And if I don't answer, please leave a message. Thank you, and have a nice day.