"You mean, you're a teenager and you don't have a cell phone?"
This is kind of the typical response when people find out I'm phoneless. After all, I'm a young woman living in the 21st century? Why wouldn't I have a phone? That's just really weird.
In a way, I kind of take pride in this fact. I must admit that there have been times when I've been really tempted to get one. But I think of it in a "Go big or go home" sort of way. If I get a phone, I'd like a smart phone, because they're the cool thing to have. When my friends are all getting the latest iPhones and Blackberries, getting a cheap phone would be nothing to brag about. Kind of embarrassing if anything.
As you may have guessed already, one of the reasons I don't have a phone is the money. First buying a phone and then adding a monthly bill is not what I need. Right now, I don't think I have very much use for one, although I'm sure I would when I had it. Sometimes the convenience would be more than nice, but that doesn't happen often enough to really make it worth it. Besides, people can get a hold of me most of the time through email, facebook, home phone, work phone, etc. If it's really important, they'll figure out a way.
One of the biggest reasons I don't have a phone is because I don't need another distraction. My computer/Internet is a big enough one. If I don't have Internet access for a few hours, it's like I'm gonna die or something. I need my connection. And because of this addiction, I've also been taking a break from facebook and music for a bit. So much of my time is wasted on those two things or decrease my productivity while I'm working. A phone that I would carry with me everywhere would no doubt make it worse.
Also, when people have cell phones, they can be very annoying in social settings. I don't want to one of them. It can get mildly irritating when you're hanging out or having a conversation and half the people around you are busy on their phones, texting, web browsing and the like. They tune out of what's going on around them and instead of actually spending time together, most people are absorbed in doing their own thing. It's bad social etiquette and disrespectful.
There you have it. A few reasons why I'm a cell phone free teenager and proud of it!
My wife and I share a very unimpressive pay as you go phone.
ReplyDeleteProud of you, Margaret! Know what you mean, even though I have one at the moment. :P
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI've never commented here before... :)
I don't have a phone either! And I'm a teenager. Sometimes I feel like I should just get one... Then the next time I think, why should I? Glad I'm not the only one!
Oh, and on the flip side, it would be nice to have a phone too, so that when your friends are busy on theirs, you have something to do too! lol
God bless! -Lisa
I definitely agree with you on the negative social etiquette that cellphones can present. I think cellphone users need to be more aware of this. It's all about balance. Good topic though!
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret, you are so right. It is bad etiquette to be texting or talking on a cell phone when you are visiting with friends, It sends a message that you are not important to them. On that note Bob & I have a cell phone each & we hardly ever use them. Mostly have it in case I have trouble. Even then it is hard to justify it. Have a great day. PS also agree with you that the Computer is a time waster but does have good points.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you that the computer has good points. I use it for many great things and will continue to do so. It's about balance and self-control.
ReplyDelete*hint hint* youth group! sigh. i love when people speakl their mind!
ReplyDelete-Jenn
I agree completely. I don't want and probably never will want a cell phone.
ReplyDeleteha, I have lots of nice used iphones for sale : )
ReplyDelete