Pretending to text to get out of awkward situations.

-->

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/1122d90567732ff5d96afb409c40896c/tumblr_mkm2ecxriL1rutfofo1_500.jpg) 

Being nineteen, I’d say that I can generally relate pretty well to my generations use of mobile devices. My phone battery died on the train home the other day and I thought I was going to die along with it.

 (http://data.whicdn.com/images/57291573/tumblr_midmyedo611s68qn6o1_500_large.gif)

Our phones not only help keep us entertained, but also give others the impression that we are far more busy and sociable than we actually are.  If I’m out waiting for a friend, I cant just stare into the distance, no, people might think I’m here alone, ill get out my phone to give everyone else the impression that I’m waiting for someone. If I want to avoid someone I’ve seen in the street, ill just whip my phone out and pretend to text, there’s even been times I’ve faked being on a phone call, just to get out of talking to someone.  But I do think that the use of mobile devices is becoming excessive, and I think the increase of use of social media plays a major role in this. With our phones always with us, we never are truly alone; at a touch on button (or a tap on a screen) I have access to an endless amount of people and am able to share my thoughts and opinions (no matter how pointless or strange) with the world.

"Twitter in real life" shows that in real life, nobody really cares. Check out the original here 

 But the use of mobile devices, especially as distractions has become something a little excessive. I work at a restaurant and the constant use of mobile devices at the table is always surprising. My mother would never allow me to have earphones in, listening to music, or playing with an iPad while having dinner; whether that be when we are out, or at home. I’ve seen young couples, awkward, on dates, who are on Facebook and Instagram under the table to bring themselves at ease.  Its like people cannot stand to be separated from their device.  Is our consistent use of technology making us less sociable? At times I think it is.

(http://data.whicdn.com/images/50987248/6354_482571615134008_1886397882_n_large.jpg)

(http://data.whicdn.com/images/56455853/tumblr_mk3gtgMext1s6uidoo1_500_large.jpg)

I have a friend who’s afraid of talking on the phone, because unlike text messaging, she cannot think about and construct her reply in the same way.

The introduction of the Google Glasses takes the separation problem with our devices to a whole new level. It’s easy to forget your phone in the other room, but it’s harder to forget your device when it’s strapped to your face. With Google Glasses you’re vulnerable to the temptation of mobile usage constantly, no matter what you’re doing. What’s interesting with Google Glass is how much privacy you have while using. Nobody can look over your shoulder to see what you’re watching or can tell you are filming them by the weird angle you’re holding your phone. I can see a lot of issues with Google Glass; it’s truly an innovative step forward into the future (or at least the idea of future we get from TV) and it will be interesting to see where it takes us. 

(http://i.qkme.me/3omz3t.jpg)

So what do you think? Do you pretend to text, fake phone calls and listen to music at the table? Is this what normal is? And if it is normal, does that make it okay?

-Carla.