Cell phone dependence 101 May30 '06
"Cell phone dependence" is a serious problem in today’s society.
If you find yourself feeling "withdrawn" when you are away from your cell phone, or if your cell phone interferes with your close, personal relationships, then you may be suffering from a case of "cell phone dependence."
Other warning signs are:
- The temporary feeling of "elation," whenever you get an incoming call, or see the little blinking light go off, indicating a text message.
- Constantly checking for new messages or missed calls throughout the day, and possibly the night.
- Text messaging, or calling someone who is the very same building as you.
- By assuming that others are ignoring you, since they don’t respond to calls or messages as fast as you do.
- Always having to answer your phone, unaware of others around you.
- Finding comfort in your cell phone, while in awkward public places.
Here are some facts that you should know:
- People survived perfectly fine (and arguably better) before cell phones existed.
- The world is not going to end if you don’t answer a call, or respond to a text message. Just let it go.
- Many motor vehicle accidents are caused by drivers playing around with their cell phones.
If you find you suffer from cell phone dependence, here are some things you can try:
- Unless it’s urgent, do not answer phone calls in front of others. It’s incredibly rude, and nobody cares if you are getting a call, so stop acting like you’re important. Wait until you have some time to yourself to check your messages, and make return calls.
- Every day, schedule a "set time" that you will no longer check your phone. For example, every evening at 8 PM, you should either turn your phone off, or put it somewhere safe, until the next morning. After 8 PM, no matter what, stay away from your phone. Allow yourself to unwind. If they can’t get ahold of you before 8 PM, then that’s their problem. Have them try the next day.
- Keep your ring tone on Silent while in public places, or in the company of others. Nobody cares about your fancy ring-tone. Even if the Silent setting makes you miss a call - so what? Worst case scenario, you check it a half-hour after the missed call, and you call them back.
After a few weeks of trying these things, you should notice your life becoming more "open" and "peaceful." You’ll no longer be dependent on cell phones running your life.
Next, in this series, will be Instant Message Etiquette. Stay tuned.
Categories: Life 
, Technology
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