Are Cell Phones Making Us Anti-Social?

It’s clear that today’s technology makes life easier and in some cases more enjoyable. Just take a quick look around and you can easily spot many things that we’d hate to live without, from online banking to mobile computing to cell phones and more. As good as most pieces of technology are, though, there is always room for some downsides as well. That’s of course a given.

In particular, an editorial posted at Boston.com really hits home for me, because the topic at hand is something that’s driven me nuts for a while. In essence, are cell phones, and texting in particular, turning us into anti-social beings? When is the last time you’ve been in public and haven’t seen someone drumming away on their cell phone? It’s so prevalent today that it could almost be considered uncommon to not be texting!

One major draw of texting is that it allows you to connect with someone with virtually no strings attached. You don’t have to talk to them on the phone and end up getting wrapped into a huge conversation. Texting can be quick, in and out. But has texting taken over your want to actually talk to people? Do you use it as a way to avoid people when you are out in public? The author of this editorial noticed that being the case in her college, and I can’t say I’m all too surprised.

One of the author’s friend has even admitted to “fauxting”, the act of pretending to text for the sake of just avoiding other people and conversation. Does anyone become a little worried at this fact? I’m sure this person isn’t the only one out there who does the same thing. It seems today, to me at least, that most people would much rather text than call, even if it involves a best friend or family member. Very, very few of my friends ever give me a real call, but many of them use text as their go-to conversation starter.

And when thinking about texting, I can’t help but recall something I saw last summer while driving. Next to me was a car with three teenage girls, and all of them were texting (even the driver, unfortunately). Doesn’t it seem a little bit odd to actually see multiple people hanging out together but each having their own individual conversations? Now don’t get me wrong, texting definitely has its uses, but like many things, there can always be a downside as well.

As always, I’d love to hear your opinions on this, and even your rants if you have them. Or if you are one of those who prefer text over real chat, fess up and let us hear it!

Another classmate admits she’s turned to “fauxting,’’ fake texting when she realizes that someone she knows is about to actively ignore her. Given an option, there isn’t a college student out there who will choose to invite rejection. “Everyone wants everyone else to say hi but doesn’t want to be the person saying hi,’’ as my housemate put it. We use cellphones to mediate they way others perceive us; if we’re texting or calling a friend, we appear sought after, occupied, in demand.