I read this. At the moment I don't have the energy to deconstruct it to share several core disagreements. But if you want to do anything you suggest, I'd encourage you to do so. We can't even use pubic transit where I live without a phone. And payments. Some food stores, etc. will not take cash or credit cards anymore. Just phones. They get robbed less. And I'd said the majority of employees in the US are prohibited from using their cell phones at all during work. Checking up on a child, a loved one, making a medical appointment, etc. during what are deemed working hours might only be possible during a lunch break. I think you may live a very privileged live that the majority of the world does not. If I miss a call from some people, especially physicians, they will not call back. Nor will they leave a message. People with disabilities, the elderly, people with vision and hearing issues depend on their phones to live. The only way to get into my apartment, or adjust the heat or air, is with a phone. For starters. To be continued.
Ken, you raise valid and important points. Thank you for taking the time to share them.
You're right. For many people, phones are essential. That reality can't be ignored, and I don't intend to. But I also think it reveals how deeply technology has reshaped our lives, often without our consent or full awareness.
We've reached a point where it's difficult to function in society without a device in our pocket. You can't buy groceries, access services, or speak to a doctor without one. That shouldn't feel normal. It shows how we've allowed technology to decide how we live, instead of the other way around.
I’m not claiming to have the perfect solution. What I do believe is that we need to start questioning this trajectory. We adopted these tools quickly. We rarely stopped to ask what we were giving up in return.
You're right to point out that I write from a place of privilege. I accept that. But the algorithm does not care who you are. It shapes behaviour across all contexts, quietly and consistently.
I'd be glad to hear your other thoughts when you feel up to it. This is a conversation worth having.
I read this. At the moment I don't have the energy to deconstruct it to share several core disagreements. But if you want to do anything you suggest, I'd encourage you to do so. We can't even use pubic transit where I live without a phone. And payments. Some food stores, etc. will not take cash or credit cards anymore. Just phones. They get robbed less. And I'd said the majority of employees in the US are prohibited from using their cell phones at all during work. Checking up on a child, a loved one, making a medical appointment, etc. during what are deemed working hours might only be possible during a lunch break. I think you may live a very privileged live that the majority of the world does not. If I miss a call from some people, especially physicians, they will not call back. Nor will they leave a message. People with disabilities, the elderly, people with vision and hearing issues depend on their phones to live. The only way to get into my apartment, or adjust the heat or air, is with a phone. For starters. To be continued.
Ken, you raise valid and important points. Thank you for taking the time to share them.
You're right. For many people, phones are essential. That reality can't be ignored, and I don't intend to. But I also think it reveals how deeply technology has reshaped our lives, often without our consent or full awareness.
We've reached a point where it's difficult to function in society without a device in our pocket. You can't buy groceries, access services, or speak to a doctor without one. That shouldn't feel normal. It shows how we've allowed technology to decide how we live, instead of the other way around.
I’m not claiming to have the perfect solution. What I do believe is that we need to start questioning this trajectory. We adopted these tools quickly. We rarely stopped to ask what we were giving up in return.
You're right to point out that I write from a place of privilege. I accept that. But the algorithm does not care who you are. It shapes behaviour across all contexts, quietly and consistently.
I'd be glad to hear your other thoughts when you feel up to it. This is a conversation worth having.