Musings: Smartphone owners might flip out over this
Sometimes, a flip phone can be one's best friend -- or not. Credit: Getty Images/Koichi Kamoshida
I learned recently that New York City MetroCards will go the way of the dinosaur and that several local event venues no longer will issue paper tickets or accept printed receipts for admission to these events.
Here’s my issue:
I own a basic flip phone. It lives in my car’s glove compartment. It’s there in case I break down or on the off chance I need to call my family when I am in my car. That’s it.
I am the last of the Luddites, who live under the banner “I do not use a smartphone.” My family and friends know this about me.
When I fill out medical forms — or any form — that lists “cellphone number,” I leave it blank. And then I am constantly reminded, “You forgot to fill that space.” And I explain, “No, I didn’t forget.”
When I say I do not have a modern cellphone, they look at me like I just announced I’m from another planet. Then, I’m asked: “How do you function?” I reply, “Quite well, thank you.”
I feel, though, for the few New Yorkers who use public transportation but can’t afford a smartphone — how will they function moving forward?
And for folks like me who occasionally take in a sports event or concert, how are we going to purchase tickets? Are we being punished for not owning a smartphone?
And here’s another thing about smartphones today. I cannot tell you how many times my movie attendance or concert visit was ruined by a person checking a cellphone the entire time I was there.
The phone’s light is extremely distracting. If you’re going to have your nose in your phone practically the entire time, why even bother attending the movie or event?
Same thing for a family get-together. So often, many family members lose out because they are perched on my couch while texting — from the minute they arrive until they say goodbye. The entire visit. Are they not aware how rude their behavior is?
I believe that owning a smartphone or a cellphone that’s not so smart should be an individual’s choice. Folks like me who choose to stay “off the grid” should not be penalized for that choice.
— Dee Palser, Valley Stream
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