The Addiction of the 21st Century?
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How much do you rely on your cell-phone?
A recent survey in the UK has produced some incredible facts.
37% of adults are highly addicted and 60% of teenagers have described themselves as highly addicted to the cell-phone.
Is the cell-phone threatening to take over our lives?
It seems that I am in the minority…
============================
I am still trying to figure out how my cell-phone works
I just can’t get use to the touch-screen
I like buttons to press
Everything is so small on it
I can’t see anything properly.
And it’s playing crazy tunes
That I don’t know how to change!
============================
When my son suggested a new ring-tone for my cell-phone, I told him that he could choose, left him to it and then forgot all about it. That was, until I was shopping in the supermarket and heard this:
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious!
If you say it loud enough, you'll always sound precocious,
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye”
It went on for a while and I was looking around to see where it was coming from, everyone seemed to be looking at me and my bag…
Being the old fashioned person that I am, my cell-phone is for ‘emergency only’. I must admit it is a comfort to know that I have it just ‘in case’ but it’s very seldom I make a call or even receive one, which is just as well because Mary Poppins will do not do anything for my ‘Street Cred”.
Receiving a new text message is quite a ‘fiasco’ from the moment I hear…..
“Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
I groan, a dreaded text message. I hate receiving them, usually I don’t even understand them, it can take me ages to translate and even longer to reply, which fortunately is why I seldom receive them! Do you ever receive a message where you have to break the text code? It’s a whole new language!
HUD ASAYGT PCM BB4N 10Q
Apparently translated this means:
“How you doing? As soon as you get this please call me bye bye for now thank you”
Martin Cooper, a Motorola researcher and executive, made the first analogue mobile phone call in 1973 using something that resembled a brick! Few people then would have predicted that the majority of people throughout the world 38 years later, would possess todays nifty little pocket sized gadget we now use in our every day lives. Now, it’s far more than just a phone and is capable of plenty more.
It’s the internet, Facebook, it’s a camera, a planner, an alarm, traffic and weather information, GPS Navigator, text messages, and more…
The Cell-Phone Survey
People have admitted their cell-phones have changed the way they live. The survey revealed that people use their cell-phone at meal times, in the bathroom and even take it to bed.
Do you find it irritating when you are having a conversation with somebody and at the same time they are texting?
Apparently they can’t help it; they admit they are addicted to texting!
47% of teenagers use the handset in the bathroom.
More than 20% of adults use their phone while the shower is warming up or when they are on the toilet!
23% of adults use their phone at mealtimes.
People even admit they wouldn’t dream of going to bed without their phone.
Is the cell-phone enhancing life?
Or
Detracting from life?
Cell-phone sales are soaring which must be proof they are becoming essentials to peoples' daily lives!
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Hi Movie Master,I enjoyed reading the article, it's beautiful. Cellphone addiction percentage is high everywhere and I don't think that the percentage will ever come down. I know of some children who immediate after getting up from bed in the morning get hold of Cellphones to check the Inbox for any messages!!.
Thanks for sharing the article, so nicely presented.
Best Wishes,
Kamalesh
I voted up and funny! You had me in stitches when you didn't realized it was you who got that ringtone!
I enjoyed thi9s hub it gave me such a laugh. I can just see you in the supermarket ROFL
I am old fashioned, I just have a smartphone and that suits me. I only use mine for emergencies so have it with me when I'm out but at home I leave it turned off.
Vited up and funny
Hi tsmog, good move with the pager, sometimes you can be too contactable!!
Many thanks for dropping by and your comments, take care and enjoy your day!
Hi Kamalesh, there was a funny report on the TV this morning, about people texting while they were walking and not looking where they were going, one girl fell into a fountain!!
Thank you for visiting and your great comments, best wishes my friend.
Hi MonetteforJack, I'm still stuck with that ring-tone - when people hear it I wonder perhaps if that could be a look of envy on their faces?!
Many thanks for dropping by and your great comments, take care and enjoy your day.
Hi Rosemay, you and me both, it's great to know you have it for emergencies and that's about it!!
Thanks for dropping by, your comments and the vote, it's much appreciated.
My dear Friend, So sad to hear about the incident. Here also accidents are happening from now on then.I see people walking and talking on the cellphone and crossing busy roads and even railway lines without looking. In spite of Government's warnings they haven't changed their habits, many people have lost lives in accidents. Some chaps, whilst riding motorcycles, hold the Cellphone in between one year and shoulder and talk. Absolutely ridiculous!They just don't want to learn!
Take care. Best Wishes.
Loved this hub. I have Scotland The Brave Medley for my ring tone and get a few looks whenever it goes off. :)
Love this too Movie master..Oh this rings so true..Thank you for a great big smile this morning..I got a blackberry two years ago and only know the very basic's now they say it is time to upgrade WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING?lol
Hugs,
Sunnie
PS I linked this to one of my hubs is you dont mind..Thank you
People really are addicted and will drop everything to dash for the phone. Once not long ago, I was in a minister's office and he was praying when his cell phone rang. He stooped praying and answered that phone-no Amen, no excuse me, nothing! After a minute or so I just got up and left. He never mentioned the incident. Just last week a woman was struck by a light rail train because she was walking and texting. People are obsessed. What a great Hub you have here.
Bwahahaha. Mary Poppins huh?
I dislike the phone; landline or cell. In fact, I frequently shut the ringer off, much to my husbands dismay.
I don't know how people can stand the constant interruptions. Or maybe I'm the only one that gets irritated when the phone ring while my hands are covered in meatball ingredients.
Anyway, that's what voicemail's for, right? :D
I never thought that my son and I would walk around with a phone attached to our bodies and a bluetooth in our ears so we never miss a call! If someone would have told me that we would be doing that, I would have said they were crazy. Now we can't live without our cell phones, take them everywhere with us, but, I draw the line at answering my phone in the bathroom!
Hi Kamalesh, amazing isn't it how people seem to be oblivious to what's going on around them or where they are while they are talking or texting on the phone!
thanks for dropping by again, best wishes.
Hi Susan, Aah now that's a ring tone with attitude!!! beats Mary Poppins:-)
Many thanks for your comment, take care!
HUD ASAYGT PCM BB4N 10Q? I'm with you - I would not have been able to decipher this message. I have received text messages before where my response was three question marks. I do however like my cell phone. I get looks when my husband calls, because the ring tone for his calls is a dog barking, but I always know it's him calling when it "barks". And my text message received alert is birds singing. I have had people look at me and say that my pockets have birds in them. Enjoyed the read and voted up, and funny.
Hi Sunnie, a blackberry is way too advanced for me, change is scarey!!
Many thanks for visiting and your comments, glad I put a smile on your face, enjoy the rest of your day:-) take care.
Hi Hyphenbird, the minister stopped praying to answer the phone? that's quite amazing!!
Glad you enjoyed the read and many thanks for your comments, best wishes and see you soon!
Hi Marsha, I don't understand why people don't seem to mind these interruptions all the time (even in the bathroom) it would drive me crazy! I agree voicemail did a good job!
Many thanks for your great comments, take care and enjoy your day!
Hi Klacey, I was surprised that people actually admitted to using the phone in the bathroom!!!
Thank you for your comment, it's much appreciated, best wishes.
Hi Homesteadbound, I've had a good laugh at your ring tones, especially your husband's bark!
I am quite envious and would love to change mine, if only I knew how:-)
Many thanks for your great comment and vote, take care
Movie Master, what a great Hub. I have a cell phone, it sits over by the tv where it is plugged in to keep it charged. I don't carry it, I don't know the number of it nor does anyone else. But now that I know I can get it to play Mary Poppins my whole life has changed. Thanks, I will be smiling the rest of the morning.
...another great title which is very true and sadly ironic - love the way you always put your hubs together with such a world class effort - lake erie time ontario canada 2:26pm
Hi Mike, one of those life changing moments eh?! I just knew this hub would help someone, somewhere....
Many thanks for your hilarious comments I am still laughing:-)
Hi epi, I always value your comments and thank you for your awesome comment! take care and enjoy the rest of your day.
Our Cell phones are used for "Long Distant" calls as we've done away with that on our Local Service and most of our friends and relatives are toll calls. I won't take my cell phone to the Beach, but yes, for shopping, but not dinner out...it gets turned OFF. Good Timely Hub Movie Master, and No I don't think I've become Addicted...No Texting for Me!
"Hi Hyphenbird, the minister stopped praying to answer the phone?" He really did, just mid sentence stopped and got on the phone just like nothing was out of order. I guess that let God know His place of priority. It sure let me know I was not important to him at all. This whole telephone issue really is an addiction.
Hi MM... you have nailed it here. Technology has taken us a long distance away from many things which count in life and yet where would be in todays world without them.
I was talking to a friend recently and the audible sound of a toilet flushing told me I had caught him in te bathroom. Hard to get away from te calls and texting... well I will leave that one to the younger generation.
Blessings
Hi b.Malin, I can't imagine having my phone on while I was on the beach or having dinner, I would hate the interruption!
and as for texting....
I think you and I definitely aren't addicted:-)
Many thanks for your great comments, best wishes.
Hi again Hyphenbird, just amazing, I am at a loss for words, what a lack of respect from someone who should know better.
Hi Quill Again, it's good to see you, the toilet flushing in the background, yuk!
Many thanks for your comments, take care and see you soon.
I must admit that I am addicted too! I love my iphone and find it very useful:) I use it for texting, calls, recipes, shopping lists, weather forecasts, mirror, camera, flashlight, alarm clock and much, much more. I also use it for reading hubs on Hubpages when I go by bus to work! As you hear I am totally hooked on this phone and I don't wont to be without it. But I know how to turn the sound off if I don't want to be disturbed. I was just like you for about five years ago, so watch out.....
I loved this hub and I can agree that the addiction is a bit crazy! It looks rather funny when everyone walks around and are totally absorbed by their little gadgets. Thanks for writing this in your special way!
Tina
Great Hub and point, Movie Master
You are so right about people's obsession with these devices. I once heard a guy on a busy bus in Central London sack an employee over the phone! It's as though they actually forget there are other people around, who can't help but hear them. As for texting, when I used a mobile phone, I would text a friend, "Pub?" They would text back, "Yes," and the e-conversation was over. My ring tone was always super exciting in that it was the preset, "Ring...ring..." dating back probably to the days of Alexander Graham Bell.
I am in the minority these days, in that I very rarely use a mobile/cell phone. I have been in employment and self-employment where I had to have one and some days it would never stop ringing. I think that's what put me off the idea of keeping a personal phone. I still have one but more often than not I can't remember where it is and every time I do find it and think I will need it or want to use it, it is out of charge.
I don't think that when my "half brick" reaches its point of natural expiry, it will be getting replaced...
I'm with you all the way. I have one but use it rarely. Suspposedly, you can do all kinds of things on it, but i'm brain dead when it comes to new technology. I wouldn't travel without it, but that's about it. And i must ask, how did you spell all those words? HaHa.....
Hi Movie Master,
Like you I am not addicted to the cell phone. I carry it in my purse just in case I need it.
I don't understand people who pull out their phone as soon as they get on a bus or train and will talk the entire trip. I don't have that much to say. lol
ROFL re “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Voted up, up and away.
Have cell-phone like everyone else, but don't use it too much, have it just in case of emergency, but when I am out 'in wilderness' it doesn't work anyway:)...thanks for cheering up my morning:)
Hi Tina,My problem is, I'm not sure how everything works, I need a crash course!! so who knows in 5 years time.....
Many thanks for your great comments, take care and have a wonderful day!
Hi Gordon, I am sure you are right, people talk on their phone and forget other people can hear their conversation.
One evening my hubby and I were sat in a pub garden enjoying a beer and the landlady came and sat at the table next to us on her phone, discussing all the locals, so loud we couldn't ignore it, we eventually left our beer and left disgusted!
Many thanks for your visit and comments, it's much appreciated.
Hi Ruby, the only thing I seem to do with my phone is charge the battery up:-) but like you I wouldn't travel without it, just in case....
Many thanks for dropping by and your comments, take care and have a great day!
Hi Sue, that mystifies me as well, what do they find to talk about all the time?!
Thank you for your visti,comments and vote its much appreciated, I hope you have a fabulous day, take care.
Hi Beata Steak, I agree It is reassuring to have the phone in case of an emergency!
Many thanks for dropping by, glad you enjoyed the read and hope you have a super day!
Great hub... voted up, funny, and interesting! You know its bad when your 16 month old daughter takes her fake phone and walks around babbling on it! (I use my phone a lot in my job--wonder where she got that from! lol)
Hi UniqueVanities, that's so funny, my grandaughter is 4 and has been talking on her fake phone for about 2 years now....
Thank you for dropping by and your comments, it's much appreciated, take care.
We just upgraded to Droid phones. We're hooked!
Hi Will, told you I was a bit behind the times! I had to 'google' Droid phones to find out if that meant you were behind the times as well, or way out there in front!!
Many thanks for your visit and comments, all the best!
I refuse to pay for the more expensive data plan that comes with a smart phone. I do have a phone with a texting keyboard, but I rarely text these days. Cutting down cell phone usage has saved me a lot of money.
Hi Sweetie, some of these data plans can work out very expensive, so cutting down on usage sounds like a good money saving idea!
Many thanks for dropping by and your comments, take care and enjoy your day.
It has to be said, you are a bit of a dinosaur. I've got a swanky i phone with all the bells and whistles. I pressed something on it the other night and music started playing. I had to text my daughter for advice as my wife was asleep. We couldn't fathom it out, but my wife woke up and discovered that I had her phone, instead of mine. So i guess that makes me a dinosaur too. I can imagine how flustered you would have been though. Funny stuff as always. Cheers
Hi attemptedhumour, you're right I am a bit of a dinosaur and I'd always promised myself I never would be! I may not be alone though....
Always great to have your company, hope you enjoy your day!
For emergencies only, that is the complete answer. Some people are totally reliant on mobiles today. They have a relationship with them at the detriment of a partnership!
Hello acaetnna, I agree best kept for emergencies only! yes some people do seem to have a bit of a relationship with their phones, taking them to bed for example?!
Many thanks for visiting and your comments, take care and enjoy your weekend!
Hilarious! The photo with the place setting including the phone next to the silverware is sadly right on. I've also been the person who didn't know her purse was ringing with some awful tune... Rated up and funny! Best, Steph
Hi steph, some people don't seem to mind being disturbed while they are eating a meal!
The ring tone can be embarrasing at times...
Many thanks for visiting, your comments and vote, it's much appreciated, have a great weekend.
Nice hub, MM! It’s funny how the cell phone connects us to the world and at the same time disconnects us from the people that are only 2 feet away.
Hi iZeko, you are absolutely right, spot on! wish I had thought of saying that in the hub....
Thank you for visiting and your comments, take care and have a lovely day.
I lost my phone last week and took about a week to get the new one. It was a crazy social addiction where friends were freaking out worse than me about my not having it. The ability to have that instant communication has become such an expectation. Compare it to a hundred years ago when you might have needed to send a letter or take a long trek to see a friend.
Hi felicity, I agree we take the ability to have instant communication for granted nowadays, and it's a bit of a shock if it's taken away!
How often do any of us ever write letters these days!?
Many thanks for dropping by and your comments, best wishes.
MM, another great hub! I laughed throughout the entire thing. You just write 'funny' SO extremely well. The whole thing is great. I do wonder the very same thing though sometimes. I feel like I've lost whatever memory I once had, I can't even tell you half my friends phone numbers any longer because I don't have to worry about knowing them, they are stored in my cell phone. My sister has half her LIFE stored in her phone. I mean if something ever happens we will all end up screwed lol Voted up and all the way across the board, excellent hub.
Hi Jenifer, and you write great and entertaining comments! maybe we could become a writing duo!!!
Many thanks for your votes, take care MM
MM, what a great article. Your right. I have a cheap tracphone. My friend let me borrow his phone and I couldn't even dial out. It is remarkable how things are changing so quickly. You have my vote always MM. Hope your Sunday is great.
Hi TLW, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself after 2 years, I've managed to work out how to set up voice mail on my phone!
It's always good to see you and I appreciate your comments, vote and support.
I'm having a great Sunday, enjoy yours, take care MM
MovieMaster: Thank you for your (typically) artistically arranged, clearly expressed and tightly organized write-up. From beginning to end, I was in stitches!
Voted up, etc.,
Derdriu
Hello Derdriu, coming from the wonderful writer you are, these comments mean a great deal to me, thank you.
Many thanks for your votes, take care MM
Hi MM...well, I think cell phones are DETRACTING from life...they are taking the place of actual F2F communication. The saddest thing I see all the time is when I'm at the airport (and this is quite a lot, lately) and everyone..EVERYONE has their face in an iPad or Cell phone or some other device rather than talking w/real, physical people. It is a disease, to a certain extent..a mental addiction..as you are pointing out here. It is so much easier to relate via device rather than in person..I am equally as guilty; certainly, I'm not separating myself from this phenomenon...I just see it as a little sad. Remember the old/original series Star Trek? All the wild and futuristic devices and hand held miracles? Well, except for actually transporting ourselves through space using these items; we are doing ALL the other things which seemed, virtually, unbelievable and impossible at the time. Now, we take these things for granted and grow impatient if our devices don't respond/react/act as quickly as we've grown to expect.
It is a Brave New World...and I'm not sure it is 100% headed in the right direction.
Thank you for a thought provoking and informative and really interesting hub, MM.
All ups except funny.
Hi Kathy, I thought this survey was fascinating, families are communicating by phone in the same house!!
Yes, it is very noticable at airports especially - it seems people can't seem to be without their cell phone!
You are so right all those 'futuristic' things have become the norm now and we are beginning to depend on them.
Thank you so much for visiting my hubs and your great comments, enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Best wishes MM
I think it's foolish to not have a cell phone these days. Sure you don't need to have all the features or use them, but being able to contact anyone from almost anywhere is a huge help if you're trying to meet up with someone or need to tell something urgent. I do agree, people use them at the dinner table, restaurant, on the toilet (gross) etc.
I am in the minority with you Movie Master. I don't like cell phones more than regular phones. And I only check my phone during the day when I remember. I figure life is lived most actively in front of you instead of checking to see who texted you in another language that resembles English. I just want something that calls and takes messages, everything else is for the birds! Great hub!
Awesome hub! I just wrote one on cell phone etiquette and my ears are ringing with the kindred spirit in you!! Voted up and socially shared. :)
Hi mandy, I apologise for the delay in replying to you, I didn't realise your comment was here!
I too wouldn't want to be without my cell phone these days, but I agree using it on the toilet, urgh!
Many thanks for your comments, best wishes Lesley
Hi Alecia, yes I am with you on this one!
Many thanks for stopping by and your comments, they are much appreciated.
Have a great day, best wishes Lesley
Hi cclitgirl, thank you for visiting and your comments, I have read your hub and enjoyed it, excellent writing!
Many thanks for your votes and sharing, it's much appreciated, best wishes Lesley
way to go Movie Master. Nice right up. I am just about to take a new cell phone :P... Anyways good read. will follow again.
Hi Humour begins, many thanks for stopping by and your comments, glad you enjoyed it!
Take care and best wishes MM
I have to have my cellphone with me, because it's cheaper than a regular land-line. But taking my cell phone to the bathroom is not necessary, it's unclean to do that. Voted up.
Hi Brinafr3sh, I wouldn't be without my phone now either, but I also would draw the line at taking it in the bathroom - yuk!!
Many thanks for your comments and votes, best wishes Lesley
We pretty much have the same opinion I'd say. Another bad thing is if people get get this number, spammers that is, they can use up all your minutes. I never give anyone my number but family members. I don't know about there but her I have Magic Jack home phone about $12 a year! Call almost anywhere in the world, no limited time.
Hi Jackie, that sounds like a great deal with Magic Jack! that's dreadful to think spammers can use up your minutes, well worth being careful as to who you give your number to!
Many thanks for your comments, enjoy your day and best wishes Lesley
HI MM!! This is great! I love it! My answer to your question is that I believe cell/smart phones are a major distraction when it comes to interpersonal truly relating. These toys have become our 'intimates,' leaving other humans behind. I just recently subscribed to a land line service...for the first time in FIVE years! I now tell everyone to use THAT line..my cell is only for while I'm driving (no no no..I have "sync" hands free and safe driving)...and away from home. Otherwise, it's back to my LL. Also, while waiting for my wireless set to arrive (ordered online...another HUB, I suspect)..I actually was able to use a 1940's rotary phone which had to be spliced into a cord that was spliced into the little plug in device that goes to the wall. Anyway, that cool rotary, 20# phone still WORKS! What a wild thing! So...loved this and totally relate to your take on the entire techy, hand held device world we now find ourselves in.
Hi Lucky Cats, I try not to give anyone my mobile number either, I use it to make calls because they are free, but when I ask people to ring back on the landline they still always use my mobile number!!
Thank you for reading, I enjoyed reading your comments, many thanks, take care Lesley
tsmog Level 7 Commenter 8 months ago
I'm still laughing. I don't own one, yet. I did use a mobile phone in the mid 70's. It was in the work van I used for customer to contact me with. Between that and the pager, which I tossed out the window when stuck in traffic(near the San Diego Padres Stadium when the game let out), beeping incessantly I said no more. Maybe that is why I don't have one. Great article. Great ring tones!