I am the first to admit that I will need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the technological 21st century. A toddler picked up my antiquated Nokia phone the other day and couldn’t figure out why the screen wouldn’t change when he brushed it. How far beyond redemption am I when a three-year-old thinks I’m a dinosaur? I knew the day would come when I’d find myself harking back to the good old days, reminiscing about how it used to be… I just didn’t think it would come when I was still this side of 50.
Gone are the days when we might have a quiet dinner together, sorting out the world’s problems or catching up on who’s doing what with whom. Now it’s me, you, and your smart phone – ergo me, you, and all your friends. And your friends, constantly interrupting our conversation with e-mails and texts, seem to get more of your attention than I do. Perhaps I should just give in and get a smart phone. Or perhaps I should just be more choosey about who I hang out with.
Disconnected
I have a friend in Ireland who doesn’t have a mobile phone. She doesn’t have a Facebook account. She doesn’t Tweet or Blog or have a private email address. And she seems to get along just fine. She’s a well-adjusted, active member of society. She manages to stay connected and not miss out on parties or events. She’s more current on current affairs than many others I know. She’s always on time because she has no way of letting people know that she’ll be late. And what’s more – she has time to do things. Things like decorating, or picking wild mushrooms, or gardening. And when I have dinner with her, I get her undivided attention. And I like it.
Inconsiderate
By our very nature, we like attention. We like to be the focus of conversation. We like to be heard. Oscar Wilde reportedly said that the only thing worse than being talked about was not being talked about. We fall in love with those who make us feel like we’re the only other person in the room. We are drawn to those who listen to us, who make us feel that we have something to say that’s worth hearing. We choose to spend our time with those who make us feel special. So why then, when we come into possession of a smart phone do we turn into stupid people – rude, inconsiderate, and downright ignorant at times.
Yes, of course, this was happening ever before the smart phone came into inexistence…to a certain extent. But in the last twelve months, it seems to me that it’s spiralled way out of control. And I am sick of it. Last night I had dinner with a mate of mine who was keeping one eye on me, another on the conversation, and a third on the text conversation he was having with a mate of his. I pointed out how rude he was being. He said that his mate was the sort of mate who needed a quick response. I pointed out that I was sitting right there, had asked him a question, and would like a response, too. He said that I could see him but his mate couldn’t. So therefore, his absent mate deserved more attention that the one at the table (me). For all the attention I got, I may as well have been sitting at home at my kitchen table, with dinner for one and a mirror propped in front of the milk jug to create the illusion of company. At least I’d have had a decent conversation.
Obsessed
I had thought that the Hungarian obsession with mobile phones was a lot more intense than the Irish one, but alas, it’s not so. Both nations seem equally damaged. Dinner in Dublin or dinner in Budapest – the only difference is the bottom line on the bill. Both peoples are addicted to staying in touch with those absent and in danger of alienating those present. And what’s worse is that no-one but me seems to have a problem with this behaviour.
What is wrong with the world? Is it too much to ask of you that you show a little respect for the company you’re keeping? I go to great lengths to stock up on amusing anecdotes. I read voraciously to stay current on what’s happening in the world. I live life to the fullest and am happy to make mistakes so that you can benefit from my experience. My goal as a dinner guest is to provide you with witty repartee, insightful comments, and interesting conversation. The least you could do is switch off your phone and pay attention.
First published in the Budapest Times 20 April 2012
23/4/2012 – And fresh from Australia from Biddy
Unpacking my 'bottom drawer' in Budapest 
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Respect indeed 😉
Still this side of 30, but not having a smartphone, I often feel a dinosaur myself… I often get scolded by friends for not replying to a text message soon enough. But I feel I have a right not too. Answering most calls instantly is demanding enough for me. What you’ve described seems to me like a symptom of a mental condition that modern society has developed. It will not go away by itself, it needs to be treated with dancing, laughing and other activities that require one’s full presence.
Agree Zsolt – I read somewhere that our expectation is that we get a reply within 15 minutes. My latest scolding was for not replying to a missed call. Seems like voicemail is now, too, a thing of the past.
Mary, I agree that people should pay proper attention and not spend their entire time reading their phone messages. It is very rude and hang on a minute; I need to take this…
You are in a minority of at least two in detesting the obtrusive nature of the mobile phone. I suspect that the main reason why people fail to switch them off more often is that they are afraid of forgetting the code to turn them back on.
Perhaps, Bernard, we detest the obtrusive nature of the mobile phone because no one ever seems to call us 🙂 Note to self …..
Its begining to feel like a grumpy old person fest………..it is interesting to be aware of the change that is happening, generally young (but not always) now live in their own bubble, independent of the ‘reality’ taking place around them and it is rude but they are unaware of it. It has long since spread to concerts, where it seems more important to let your pals know you are attending than to enjoy the concert (to the massive annoyance of those who want to enjoy the musc) …….of much greater concern – the problem has now spead to international rugby matches……is nothing sacred!!
Lansdowne Road – some time in the 1980s. In the stands, nearly fainting from the fumes from the nail varnish as the young wan beside me stood painting her nails. Nothing is sacred.