Texting and Me

 At my age, I take pride in keeping semi-up-to-date with modern technology. It’s not as easy for a dinosaur as it appears to be for the younger set who are born knowing how to upload photos, enable wireless routers with passwords, and such.   My son, for example, was born with a computer mouse in one hand and a Nintendo controller in the other.  For him, the technology gene is innate.

I do have a DVR (which I can and do use), an Android cell phone (I can take pictures on it, but still am learning about all the other functions on the phone), a netbook (I can be mobile, but who knew Function Keys and F keys are two different animals?), and a quad core desk top computer (Why do I constantly have to upgrade?  There was nothing wrong with Windows 3.1).   I also have   a GPS (you’d think “Daniel” could tell me to slow down when going over railroad tracks, but Mr. GPS isn’t as smart as he thinks), and a car equipped with blue tooth and Pandora (I figured out I can just talk to the car).   I have my own Paypal and Ebay accounts, along with my own Steam account for gaming.    I even pay bills and bank online.   I like keeping abreast of modern technology.  Texting, however, is not for me.

Unlike so many others, I am not hooked on texting, nor am I obsessed with constantly checking my cell phone for text messages and then texting in response.  I’m not lost in the cloudy text-messaging world of cyber space.  Like Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, shouldn’t there be a TA -- Texting Anonymous for such people?  C’mon – sleeping with your phone?  Seriously?  You need help.

I see people hide in corners at work with their cell phones as well as leaning in under their desks madly tapping out messages.  Some even walk down streets staring intently and soulfully at their cell phones.  That’s certainly an invitation for disaster.   Friends complain about dates who see nothing wrong with blatantly checking messages and texting under the table while conversing at dinner.  Customers talk on their cell phones while checking out at the supermarket, trying to conduct bank business with the teller, and talking to their doctors.  Sneakiness, rudeness, and disregard for others have become norms.  It’s a modern, tech-savvy generation all about self and entitlement.

 Cell phones are only a tool designed to make life a little easier, but not at the expense of attentiveness and good manners. Few messages in life require immediate attention, so turn off your cell phones during meetings, dinner, and at work.  Focus on what you’re supposed to be focused.  If someone wants you, they can either leave a text or voice mail you can retrieve at a better time. Check your cell phone at lunch or after you clock out.  Be civilized.  Are most messages really that important you have to constantly check for them?  No.  

Be attentive in your meetings, classes, or times with friends.   Text at a more appropriate time.  Your boss pays you for your time and productivity, not for checking your messages and texting.  If you can’t function without texting or checking for texts numerous times during the day, every day, you have a problem.  You’re just as addicted as someone who stays home to play World of Warcraft nonstop or someone who can’t make it through the day without multiple drinks or drags on a cigarette.  Texting addiction is akin to compulsive gambling.

Safety is always an issue with regard to texting.  Not only have I seen people walk into a pole or slam into another person along the street because their eyes are glued to their cell phones while they are walking, but the news even reported one totally focused birdbrain falling into a manhole.  In addition, imbeciles have been caught or admit to texting while driving, creating deadly situations.  What is wrong with people?  You do realize you don’t have to answer that cell phone while driving, but you can pull over somewhere and return the call or text a few minutes later if it’s that important, don’t you?  Distracted drivers are the number one cause of accidents.

Trying to type with the itty bitty keys on a cell phone is also infinitely annoying.  The smallest of fingers can’t accurately hit those little keys and escape numerous typos.  Even word suggestions in programs that allow you to select the word rather than finishing typing it, can’t make up for the irritation of those microscopic keys. 

If your excuse for texting is you don’t really need to speak to me, but just need to text me, then don’t text me.  What you have to say in your text is obviously not all that important.  I have other things to do than be a slave to my cell phone by constantly checking for new text messages.  If your excuse for constant checking and texting is you want to stay connected to friends, get a clue --  it’s just an excuse.   I’d rather look at Facebook statuses at home when I have a glass of wine in my hand, and I can connect to others by calling and talking to them, or by hanging out in person with them somewhere.  If your excuse is you want to send me a picture, then by all means, send it -- I'll see it later. (E-mail me the pic instead -- I won't lose it that way.)

I’m certainly not allergic to texting occasionally, but neither Christian Gray nor my cell phone will ever be my master.  I don’t have the compulsion and need to constantly be checking for texts, so know that if you text me and expect an immediate response, I probably won’t see your text until I check messages mid-day or plug in my cell to recharge at bedtime.   

As Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli, and Petula Clark all sang, “Call me, Don’t be afraid, you can call me….”  Real folks call.