J.L. Bailey is an unclassified graduate student. He can be contacted at [email protected].With today’s technological advances, phone conversations occur almost anywhere, last indefinitely and cost a nominal monthly fee.
Cell phones allow a person to connect with a friend quickly with a simple push of a button. And a person can talk on and on about trivial subjects and consume hours and hours of time.
As of today, eight times this semester I’ve had close encounters with cell phone drivers who swerved into my driving lane, turned too wide and almost hit me, or were so entranced in conversation they failed to notice that I was in a pedestrian crosswalk.
Last week, I was in the middle of the street crossing between the library and Student Health buildings, and a young woman apparently lost control of her yak-yah box that was affixed to her left hand and created a vacuum to her left ear, causing her to become oblivious to the fact that anyone would actually be in the middle of a crosswalk trying to return after class to one’s vehicle.
Therefore, I am proposing that Friday, Nov. 16, be proclaimed a “Cell-Free Day.” That’s right, one day when all cell phones are left at your place of residence.
I realize that my position may be out of sync. However, is it necessary to replace face-to-face conversation with a sound-emitting device that is placed close to your ear?
I invite you to conduct your own experiment. Look at all the people walking about campus talking on their cell phones. Are they discussing biology notes with a classmate? Are they planning next weekend’s social events? Are they calling their mom or dad just to offer mid-morning greetings?
I believe that cell phone impairment has reached such proportions as to be considered a diagnosable addictive behavior.
The most distressing aspect of cell phone addiction lies in the rudeness of students who can’t find the silent mode. And worse, even after being explained repeatedly by the instructor and included in the syllabus, phones still ring.
Last week, a student’s cell phone began ringing in the middle of class, and it was mildly annoying. It became full-blown when this student failed to turn off the phone and it rang again five minutes later.
No place on campus is immune for those with CPA. Unfortunately, the library serves as a hotbed for these addicts to receive their next fix. Quiet areas are ignored, and some just yap as freely as they wish while other students try to read or work on projects. And the computer lab is a rich source of cell phone madness, with students ignoring the entrance sign: “Turn off all cell phones.”
Being so privileged, some suffering from severe CPA not only talk loudly, they allow hideous ringtones to be heard, and they even bring lunch into the lab while others peck away at their keyboards trying to meet deadlines for class papers.
If anyone has doubts, then let me be clear: I do own a cell phone. I was late into the fray. My first purchase was in 2005. And yes, I do talk on my phone. My preferred method of communication though is e-mail, text messaging or that antiquated form of communication known as face-to-face conversation.
And I do enjoy keeping up with a few out-of-state friends by depressing a key and ringing them up. However, I cannot imagine spending hour upon hour talking non-stop to whomever I wish just because I can. That is the allure of these small conversation devices. We can delay more productive activities by a simple push of the switch and connect to someone who will take up another hour or two of our time.
Cell phones are not bad. In times of urgency or emergency they can be valuable. But I believe we should stop a minute and put thought into our reasons for calling. Are we seeking or providing important information? Or are we just running our pie hole for no good reason?
After the Dawgs beat Bama Saturday, I saw dozens of people pull out their camera phones and take photos, trying to capture the moment of this great victory.
As people were lining up to exit, cowbells were ringing and excitement flooded the atmosphere. In this scenario, a person’s cell phone was a good thing.
Upon returning to my tent in the Junction, I discovered several messages in my voicemail. They were game-related and inquiries about how to find our tent to enjoy post-game celebration. Again, this was a good thing.
But the next time you crank up your car, put your cell phone in a safe place. And that place should not include your hand. When the engine is running, hands should be placed on the steering wheel.
Can you hear me now?