People and Youth are too Unaware thanks to Gadgets and Phones and Texting. Unbelievable!

I haven't been riding the bus for a long time but recenty do to medical problems and inability to drive now i ride the bus and Ohhhhhhh man was i shocked. Tons of people on the cellphone calling, some texting, some looking at their cellphone constantly,, some looking at movies in their portable movie thing , some playing games in their Game thing(DS or whatever it is...i dont' know what exists now cause i haven't been a gamer years),and
of course tons of people with the IPOD things (or non apple mp3 player) on their ears.

It's unbelievable. Nobody is present. Everybody is like unaware of the world just locked in to their gadgets.

Why is this? Why is it that most people and many young people get fooled into these kind of gadget filled society and cellphone society and don't realize it that it's sucking the life out of them. I'm like the only one without ipods and cellphones and textings wherever i go anywhere . Whenever i go anywhere , someone can't just be by themselves. they need to call someone on the cellphone or text or whateever.

In most times, i'm the only one just breathing the air and looking at the real world.
Why has it come to this?

:shock:

Yes it has gotten quite bad, honestly when I'm at home I would constantly be on my PC Skypeing, texting, watchin videos, listening to music, playing games and browsing reddit or dreamviews. BUT...when I go out I leave my electronics behind. We have advanced so much with technology that this is now the norm, and tbh its turning alot of people into f**king delirious morons.

I think that people in general are seeking pleasure all the time because it's possible. You never have to be bored if you dont want to. But I belive that a deeper meaning of this has it's roots in that people are afraid of the silence, because then they cant flee their own minds, their thoughts about life nagging back in the head. That is torture for a lot of people today, unfortunatly..

I'd have to agree - people have become enwrapped in technology.

I freely admit to listening to music on the bus rides to and from school though i have nobody to talk to ahahaha excuses excuses - I also admit to having an addiction to music as well. I listen to it at nearly every given chance.

I still go out and do things (Electronic free, save for a camera). I experience nature's true beauty, which, it seems, not enough people really do.

I agree with DreamyBear - people are just looking for a constant state of ecstacy, and with technology, we can do that for endless hours. I also agree with the idea that people are looking for an escape route to life - just an empty space where no thought is required. I have daunting thoughts on life, and I am guilty of using media to drown it out. I worry a lot about my future, and tend to drown it out with music and other practices. However, this will never solve the problem - we all have to face up to the issues, and take them one at a time. Such thinking has helped me out with my life.

People are becoming numb to the outside world - we need to do something about it.

I'm surprised you haven't been vilified yet for bringing this up.

No, you are not the only one. I have no cell phone and no social media accounts; I don't watch TV or movies; I even write handwritten letters. The internet is great for research, as is this forum; other than that I would rather be out in the woods or elsewhere learning a new skill or using my imagination. Of course, I am somewhat of a misanthrope, so going to this extreme is probably not for anyone who holds any hope of having friends.

Technology is a double edged sword... like a sword. The more powerful something is, the more evil/good it can add to the world. If you have a sword. you can do good things. you can protect yourself and those you care about from criminals, and beasts. You can also do evil things. You could use the weapon to steal or kill the innocent. Technology is no different. We live in a world where we can contact anyone (Phones) have fantastic entertainment (TV, Video Games) access any information we want (Internet) and travel wherever we desire. (Planes, Trains, Automobiles) We can cure diseases (Antibiotics, Chemotherapy, Life Support) and live long happy lives without hunger and thirst. (Save for some unfortunate parts of the world :( ) Even the most basic of technology can be so useful, like a light-bulb so you can read at night or a hot shower in the morning. 300 years ago none of that stuff existed. Now our world is great. But there are trade-offs. To name a few: (Nuclear bombs, Pollution, Information Overload, Cyber-security Issues, Overpopulation, and what you mentioned, people not being in the moment because they are distracted by technology.)
The trick is to not blow the negatives out of proportion. You can definitely acknowledge the downsides to technology, as not doing so would be considered naive. But try to appreciate that our modern world is both spectacular and horrifying. It is my belief that technology has made us no better and no worse. It has solved many of our problems, but also created a host of new ones. So if you take one thing away from this be it, try to see the glass half full.

I am on the opposite side of this thread.

I see technology as the most amazing thing we have going for us. Right now, I am writing a message to potentially millions of people across the world for as long as version of this site exist. Considering that correspondence written 50 years ago can be lost so easily, that's amazing to me. Addiction and reliance on anything is bad, but I think we are in this transitional period where what is and isn't useful is still be sifted out. In time, we will figure things out but I think we are in a great and glorious time.

There really isn't much to be aware of when you're on a bus.
On buses, I often look around, at people or out the window mostly, while getting lost in my own fantasylands. Sometimes I listen to music, but I very often don't. However, I don't think I can use this to say that I'm more aware and present than they are. What, exactly, are we all supposed to be doing on a bus? You just kill time the way you feel the most comfortable with. I'm pretty sure you'll find all those people you see on the bus a little bit more aware once they're in a situation that isn't just sitting in a chair, on a bus, waiting for their stop.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maeni

I'm pretty sure you'll find all those people you see on the bus a little bit more aware once they're in a situation that isn't just sitting in a chair, on a bus, waiting for their stop.

---

Well, I think that's sort of his point: whenever people aren't "doing" something, they turn to the gadgets. It takes us out of the moment. Even when something exciting happens, many people reach into their pockets for their phone to take a picture or capture a video of the event. To me, you're no longer living in the moment then. I purposely go rid of my smart phone because I didn't like that I myself did those things. Every second I spent not "doing" something, I pulled out the phone. I think you can loose an appreciation for life when you're constantly distracting yourself with various entertainment.

Granted, I'm guilty--I carry my kindle every day to work. And if you're on a long bus commute every single day, I don't see it as a real negative that you might read, play games, text, and so on during that time. But my drive to work takes about an hour, and although I like listening to music or audiobooks, I also spent a lot of drives listening to nothing. Sometimes I'll use the time to think, other times I really don't think about anything. I'm just driving in silence, and it's a meditative sort of experience for me. In the moment. It relaxes me. One thing I've noticed since I've dropped my phone is that I don't get stressed as easily, nor am I as tired throughout the day. I imagine it's because I used to never give myself a break. If I was physically and/or mentally able to hold a phone and play around on it (as in, I had nothing else to "do"), I would.


Anyway, just my thoughts. I'm certainly a bit hypocritical, seeing as I play a lot of games on my PC and do use technology a lot in general. I guess I just like to balance things, and by keeping that much tech on me at all times (the phone; essentially a small computer), I wasn't in balance. I'll nerd out when I'm home, but once I leave, I've got nothing (well, except the kindle, but I don't even get internet access with that outside my apartment, and all that's on it are books).

The important thing, sefalik, is that you are aware of your own behavior and make real choices. I wouldn't worry about a person like yourself. The choices are much more dangerous if you never really think about them. This, after all, is the problem with easy distractions, and the problem with the average person. They may see a problem in the long term, but usually lack the strength of character to make even small changes because it lies beyond their experience, and beyond the group.

Yeah, I don't really know why that is so. I'm not one of those people so I can't say much on the matter.
I bought a new phone last year, but even then I bought a button-based phone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maeni

There really isn't much to be aware of when you're on a bus.
On buses, I often look around, at people or out the window mostly, while getting lost in my own fantasylands. Sometimes I listen to music, but I very often don't. However, I don't think I can use this to say that I'm more aware and present than they are. What, exactly, are we all supposed to be doing on a bus? You just kill time the way you feel the most comfortable with. I'm pretty sure you'll find all those people you see on the bus a little bit more aware once they're in a situation that isn't just sitting in a chair, on a bus, waiting for their stop.

---

Actually you have'nt seen the people ON bikes while ipods, on bilkes while texing... People walking with iphones not even aware i'm behind them. People texting while walking. People texting while driving. There's alot you can see and look out even if you're sitting. including being aware of your own skin(hands)...
rocks, textures on objects, sky, walls...sounds, traffic.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sefalik

Well, I think that's sort of his point: whenever people aren't "doing" something, they turn to the gadgets. It takes us out of the moment. Even when something exciting happens, many people reach into their pockets for their phone to take a picture or capture a video of the event. To me, you're no longer living in the moment then. I purposely go rid of my smart phone because I didn't like that I myself did those things. Every second I spent not "doing" something, I pulled out the phone. I think you can loose an appreciation for life when you're constantly distracting yourself with various entertainment.

Granted, I'm guilty--I carry my kindle every day to work. And if you're on a long bus commute every single day, I don't see it as a real negative that you might read, play games, text, and so on during that time. But my drive to work takes about an hour, and although I like listening to music or audiobooks, I also spent a lot of drives listening to nothing. Sometimes I'll use the time to think, other times I really don't think about anything. I'm just driving in silence, and it's a meditative sort of experience for me. In the moment. It relaxes me. One thing I've noticed since I've dropped my phone is that I don't get stressed as easily, nor am I as tired throughout the day. I imagine it's because I used to never give myself a break. If I was physically and/or mentally able to hold a phone and play around on it (as in, I had nothing else to "do"), I would.


Anyway, just my thoughts. I'm certainly a bit hypocritical, seeing as I play a lot of games on my PC and do use technology a lot in general. I guess I just like to balance things, and by keeping that much tech on me at all times (the phone; essentially a small computer), I wasn't in balance. I'll nerd out when I'm home, but once I leave, I've got nothing (well, except the kindle, but I don't even get internet access with that outside my apartment, and all that's on it are books).

---

yeah, it's like the current youth going to concerts. I don't understand why they all take their iphones or smartphones and are all raised hands trying to video record it. That's stupid. really. They're not actually enjoying the concert freely. They are busy with the gadgets recording it. I always find that stupid.
The concert is supposed to be an experience you enjoy LIVE. that's what they're called live. But in stead these people focus their energy on the video recording.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by voByJunior2013

Actually you have'nt seen the people ON bikes while ipods, on bilkes while texing... People walking with iphones not even aware i'm behind them. People texting while walking. People texting while driving.

---

Some of those are definitely bad but that's simply a problem with security. Of course those are bad. It's literally dangerous. But on a bus? While walking? I'm not sure I see the problem.

Quote:

---

There's alot you can see and look out even if you're sitting. including being aware of your own skin(hands)...
rocks, textures on objects, sky, walls...sounds, traffic.

---

I know, I do that. But I'm reluctant about criticizing the alternative, and I think you should be, too. Who am I to say that my choice to be quiet and enjoy the relaxation, the peace of mind, the moment-to-moment scenes, is the more 'real' (implied better / healthier?) thing to do? Someone who chooses to look at their smartphone is connected to their friends, they're having conversations, making plans, gathering information, experiencing other people's content - they're connected. Meanwhile there we are, meticulously studying some rust on a pole or watching two raindrops on the other side of the window slowly creep towards each other and merge. Wow.

I don't know. I agree with you that people spend far too much time with their gadgets. But I'm not sure about it, so I don't make the claim. I'm sure I've seen a Ted talk about this before, and I tried to find it earlier but never found it. I'll keep looking. I'm just saying that, either you're right, or this sentiment is a technophobic reaction to a quick evolution of technology. Perhaps people who get very engaged in the network at all possible times are living in a much more real and engaged way. Of course, mindless habits are problematic, but I don't think that's something that came with the iPod. It's a bit like that "the youth is unruly and has no respect nowadays" thing. Socrates said that. It's always been this way, it ain't new.

mostly on dreamviews. It's for entertainment i think

Most people on the bus would rather avoid interacting with the other members of the bus; so they text and keep themselves occupied with, you know, familiars. People on the internet are very much engaged in the world and I think that the aspect that it "sucks the life out of you" is just the result of people being weary of change and new ways.

I take the train to school every morning and I'm amazed at how about 8/10 of the people stare at a screen the entire ride from 7-8 in the morning. Don't their eyes hurt? Gee, I'm thinking about dumping my smartphone as well and get a regular mobile phone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Athylus

I take the train to school every morning and I'm amazed at how about 8/10 of the people stare at a screen the entire ride from 7-8 in the morning. Don't their eyes hurt? Gee, I'm thinking about dumping my smartphone as well and get a regular mobile phone.

---

buy one of those old Nokia phones with antennas :chuckle:

I had a pay-as-you go phone that I loved. Basic as can be (call/text, that's pretty much it) but it was indestructible. Actually, I still have it; it's jut not activated. I went without a phone for a long while and my parents hated that... I can see their point. They didn't like me going mountain biking without a phone. So they got me a really cheap "touch screen" phone, but it's garbage. I don't mean to complain--it does what it needs to do, but after 3 years the screen has gotten worse and worse and it's pretty hard to even dial numbers. For something of that price range, a touch screen is just gimmicky.

My old flip phone is probably 10-years-old at this point, so I wonder if I could still use it. I need to look in to this. :-?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by voByJunior2013

yeah, it's like the current youth going to concerts. I don't understand why they all take their iphones or smartphones and are all raised hands trying to video record it. That's stupid. really. They're not actually enjoying the concert freely. They are busy with the gadgets recording it. I always find that stupid.
The concert is supposed to be an experience you enjoy LIVE. that's what they're called live. But in stead these people focus their energy on the video recording.

---

what's the point in going to a concert if only a few people know about it. if i'm going to a concert i'm going to make sure the whole world knows about it. so that way i can show off and be popular and also become a youtube celebrity. that's why video recording is a must if your going to a concert. especially if you have a woman who looks like a supermodel and a fancy car. remember: life is pointless if your not popular and worshiped amongst your peers. (sarcasm :cheeky:)

Quote:

---

Why has it come to this?

---

its been like this for a while, except people would read newspapers instead. i remember taking the nyc subways in the 80's and seeings newspapers all over the floor. at least with all the gadgets there is less pollution. and just because someone is listening to music on the train doesn't mean they are not aware of whats going on around them. i don't see much of a difference between someone who is distracted by their own thoughts and someone who is distracted with technology.

woo.....wooo.....woooo..... :panic: :panic: :panic:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tropicalbreeze

what's the point in going to a concert if only a few people know about it. if i'm going to a concert i'm going to make sure the whole world knows about it. so that way i can show off and be popular and also become a youtube celebrity. that's why video recording is a must if your going to a concert. especially if you have a woman who looks like a supermodel and a fancy car. remember: life is pointless if your not popular and worshiped amongst your peers. (sarcasm :cheeky:)



its been like this for a while, except people would read newspapers instead. i remember taking the nyc subways in the 80's and seeings newspapers all over the floor. at least with all the gadgets there is less pollution. and just because someone is listening to music on the train doesn't mean they are not aware of whats going on around them. i don't see much of a difference between someone who is distracted by their own thoughts and someone who is distracted with technology.

woo.....wooo.....woooo..... :panic: :panic: :panic:

---

Good point. Buuuuut, what if they do nothing but internet in their spare time?

is there anything wrong with that?

I guess, well, when I think of it, not so much.

I do think caution is needed. Our biological make-up means that social networks and the internet can be very alluring, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're good. We also evolved to enjoy fatty foods: in modern times our instincts can work against us.

I don't think a life defined solely by social relations is a good one. The individual is also important: spending time on self-improvement, on learning and skills and pursuing unique interests is just as important. If the individuals of a society are all as empty as one another, what's gained by socialising? On the flip side, if you don't socialise, what's the point in being unique? I think a healthy life consists of a balance of the two.

It's alarmingly easy to spend a whole day distracted by technology and social sites, and discover at the end that you've done nothing useful all day. Personally I find myself being driven towards more ascetic tendencies of late, consciously limiting my use of technology, and trying my hardest to limit the usage of that technology to productive goals. I was starting to feel like useless information was crowding up my brain.

In a nutshell, just make sure you're being intelligent and conscious of your actions, rather than instinctive.

This happens in my zone also. Too many people glued to their gadgets.
I think that tecnology is useful but people should use it if they really need to and not get addicted to it. I mean, why do people that already have the last iPhone, they have to desperately buy the new one when it comes out? Do they really need it?
I have a cellphone bought like 7 years ago that makes calls and sends text messages. That's it. It was what this was made for. I don't want a smartphone or an iPad. I will not say that i will never have one. I just don't need it.
When i go to work on the train, i use my old mp3 player. Because i go alone and listening to music relaxes me. It's better than listening to people complaining or the smartphone keyboards clicking.
I like some technology but i like to be outside that "new technology" mania. It saves me a lot of money and stress. And as time passes by, i'm becoming more of non-material person. One day i'll be a monk in Tibet, who knows...?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LouaiB

buy one of those old Nokia phones with antennas :chuckle:

---

Lmao! That would be so awesome

Sersly thou, I was thinking about a nokia device tho, but a newer one obv. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by voByJunior2013

yeah, it's like the current youth going to concerts. I don't understand why they all take their iphones or smartphones and are all raised hands trying to video record it. That's stupid. really. They're not actually enjoying the concert freely. They are busy with the gadgets recording it. I always find that stupid.
The concert is supposed to be an experience you enjoy LIVE. that's what they're called live. But in stead these people focus their energy on the video recording.

---

Uggghhh this is one of my biggest pet peeves. It's hard enough as a really short person going to a standing concert and not being able to see anything; it's even worse when everyone in front of you is just standing there with their cell phones in the air. At the last concert I went to, the people around me were all literally just standing there recording every song on their phones and not singing or dancing or anything--meanwhile my sister and I were going crazy the whole time, haha. I don't have a crappy video recording of that concert but I have the memory of having fun and I think that's much more valuable.

That said, in response to this topic in general: I know I am probably too addicted to technology. I'm guilty of bringing my iPod with me almost everywhere; of course, this is partly because I have anxiety problems and it helps distract me and calm me down. But I also spend way too much time on the internet and I should get outside more. I'm hoping to get better at that.

On that note, my smartphone has just gone completely blank after two years of usage. The software in those things is far too bloated; they just crash all the time. I found it quite incredible that YouTube would constantly make my phone crash, given that it's a Google website running on a Google browser on a god damn Google operating system. If they can't make that work then they're truly hopeless. I've gone back to my 10-year old phone, which has never failed to do anything. Those things were simple, robust, and did the job without ever losing their shit.

haha in Lebanon, everyone is obsessed with Samsung galaxies :lol:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Athylus

Lmao! That would be so awesome

Sersly thou, I was thinking about a nokia device tho, but a newer one obv. ;)

---

They are awesome, but boring :P. Maybe lumia, but if not touch, asha. It's like they don't do any one except those 2:P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brigid

Uggghhh this is one of my biggest pet peeves. It's hard enough as a really short person going to a standing concert and not being able to see anything; it's even worse when everyone in front of you is just standing there with their cell phones in the air. At the last concert I went to, the people around me were all literally just standing there recording every song on their phones and not singing or dancing or anything--meanwhile my sister and I were going crazy the whole time, haha. I don't have a crappy video recording of that concert but I have the memory of having fun and I think that's much more valuable.

That said, in response to this topic in general: I know I am probably too addicted to technology. I'm guilty of bringing my iPod with me almost everywhere; of course, this is partly because I have anxiety problems and it helps distract me and calm me down. But I also spend way too much time on the internet and I should get outside more. I'm hoping to get better at that.

---

I have the same problem! I have anxiety problems as long as I can remember, and the phone does help. But, in Lebanon, it is justified since everyone is a punk:P. All the good people immigrated! almost 2 thirds immigrated from Lebanon. 12 million immigrated and 4 million yet

Yeah, I never really got why other humans are so obsessed with their mobiles. It is almost like it is a freaking body part to them; cannot go anywhere without it, and cannot let it go for five minutes. Not a day goes by that I do not hear that annoying whistling sound at least once. Though I also own a cheap mobile, I pretty much always keep it in mine pocket. I only make calls or send text messages if it is necessary. And I am often annoyed when others call me for no particular reason or send me irrelevant text messages. Or, one of mine major pet peeves is when somebody calls or texts someone in the same house, room, or facility as them (just go talk to that person!). [Shrugs] Then again, I am a pretty anti-social human, so that is probably just me. If I was more into casual interaction, perhaps I would be just like the rest.

I also own some other portable electronics, such as a Nintendo 3DS, but I never take them out of the house unless I am leaving town, and I never, ever show off mine electronics in public. In mine opinion, that is just asking to get robbed. Though I often listen to music behind closed doors, in public I am constantly alert, often to the point of paranoia. I do not make calls in public unless I absolutely have to, and when I do, it is with mine back to the wall.

I will admit, I do use the internet rather frequently, though it is usually just for research and keeping up with the news. The only websites I socialise in nowadays are Dream Views and two other communities--and frankly, I do not really go to said communities looking for friends. Every now and then, however, I do make it a point to keep away from the computer and video games and do something else, usually reading a book (one made of paper).

In the end, however, I do not really care if others wish to bury their noses in their gadgets, blissfully unaware of their surroundings. Won't be mine fault if they get mugged (and yes, I have seen it happen--in some of the most unlikely places). It is only when humans endanger not only themselves, but others with their electronics, that it bothers me (like texting whilst driving). I do not want to get flattened in the pavement because somebody was too busy texting their "BFF" or browsing Facebook to watch the blasted road. Whenever I hear about a teen or someone dying or getting hurt in an automobile incident because he or she could not put their damn toy away, I do not feel much, if any, compassion. [Shrugs] I know that probably sounds cold, but hey, you reap what you sow.

That all being said, I absolutely LOVE technology; it is truly an amazing phenomenon. I cannot imagine a life without it. Unfortunately, it is just not used responsibly by everybody.

Personally my phone is pretty important to me. Whenever I'm on the bus or just somewhere and got nothing to do, I can pull it up and surf the web while listening to music. It's not like people were having deep conversations on the train and in busses before the advent of mobile phones. We simply read newspapers instead.

I'd like to point out that "back in the day" people would do the exact same thing, but with walkmans. Before than, newspapers.

Yea for the whole using your phone on the bus, there's two good reasons to do that.
1. Wandering eyes could start fights
2. I have more often been less alert while not on my phone and instead going brain dead since there was nothing to do.

I don't like when people use phones while walking since it really can cause accidents with them walking unaware into the path of a car, and not hearing the car honking because their headphones are noise canceling and at 100% volume.


Then cell phones can help a little in getting you out of tough situations, like it is pretty hard to walk up to a guy and mug him when he's clearly on the phone with someone....

Overall I love technology and the fact that it is portable really can help in certain situations, like one time I needed to do something on my graphing calculator that I didn't know the command for, so I just looked up the users manual on my phone and was able to find the command right away instead of having to make a note so I'd remember to look up the command when I get back home.

Im a 16 year old teen and i do normally have my earphones in a lot and i guess i can say that i have a music addiction (if thats possible) but unlike most people, instead of letting music control me, i took my love for it to my advantage, and now i am a guitarist, and i can turn music into whatever i want. I agree that people are turning into zombies with their phones nowadays, i wish my generation wasnt so dependent on technology. You know, i hear and see what it was like living in the 80s and 90s, with kids and teens always being in the streets having fun e.t.c.. makes me really wonder what it would be like to live back then, but without many things from todays generation, i wouldnt be the person i am so i am thankful for the present and hope to be living in it for a long time

I do think parents should let their kids live in the non-tech world for a while. They should be out in the streets playing basketball or hide and seek or whatever.

I am extremely glad I was probably in the one of the last generations to do that (in the 1st world, anyway). Sliding down flooded gutters on hills (ruining several pants), exploring drains, riding bikes, playing basketball or downball or soccer, climbing trees.... that shit was fun.

Now, I think, kids are inside playing videogames on the internet, or occasionally have LAN parties, but this does not use up their almost infinite energy.
This causes massive problems with anxiety and depression. Along with what other people have mentioned about not just being by oneself.
It's like any drug habit or vice. There are problems we should face and come to terms with, and if you avoid them with distractions, they only become worse and worse.
So this also causes crippling existential issues and therefore depression/anxiety.

This rant by Louis CK is pretty much how I feel about it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HbYScltf1c

I also have a dumb phone. I absolutely enjoy reading about/seeing awesome new technology, but then I think about whether I really have any use for it.

If I got an iPhone or iPad or Galaxy or whatever, what would I do on it? Facebook, Reddit, some shitty flash games.... Maybe occasionally look something important up on it.
It's just not worth it.

That said, and as I was saying before, there are a tonne of things that are used for this exact same escape mechanism - drugs (including cigarettes), music, video games, movies/tv shows, internet forums, social media sites, news, sex, porn, self-harm (really, though, all these things are self-harm when used excessively)....

But everyone has their own path and tolerance levels. So maybe technology hasn't really changed that. I'm not sure.
It does make escapism that much easier.... If you're socially anxious, instead of slowly getting used to talking to people on the bus or train or wherever, you can just go on the internet or listen to music. However, either are probably just as likely to lead to a significant event in your day-to-day life, even if only slightly significant. I mena I've found some incredible things online, it's definitely changed me as a person, but there's a lot of bullshit useless stuff too, much more of that.

But talking to people on the bus is the same. One time I talked to a guy who went on for 40 fucking minutes about some optometrist who charged him a lot for his glasses. Great, I really care so much....
But you also occasionally meet very interesting people if you take the opportunity. And some of those people become important to you.
Or maybe they'll shape your life or opinions in some way.

I guess you just gotta balance, like anything else. If you find yourself talking about useless crap to everyone, go improve your knowledge or find something cool online. If you realise you've just spent days or week or years participating in useless karma-whoring (fuck you, reddit) conversations which do not benefit your or anyone else, or consuming useless information.... then go out and do something new and talk to some people.

Disclaimer: I've been drinking myself to sleep every night for months to avoid dealing with shit. But I guess that gives me some experience with what I'm saying as well.

hi guys. It's funny. These days ive been riding the bus. ANd every single College and Highschool girl comes from the outside into the bus with the phone talking OR immediately pulls it out and texts and does stuff on it. So every girl is looking down at their thing. It's weird. ANd i know for a fact the foreign girls who do it or put the ipod earphones in, they are afraid and dont want anyone to talk to them. I've noticed this.

Immigrant Hispanic women(who don't speak english) are also addicted to the cellphone. Much less to the texting but they are constantly on the cellphone while on the bus. They can't be alone or something. Even if they have kids with them, they prefer to talk on the phone rather than talk to their kids or play with them. They constantly need to talk to someone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tommo

consuming useless information

---

This right here, it's pretty much the core of your post. Reddit is a great example of this, especially if you just track the standard front page, or something like it. 99% of the information will just be a funny picture or short anecdote. Occasionally you get interesting news on there, but you'd get those news anyway, if you visited actual news sites. When I use my phone, I'm usually either chatting with friends, checking /v/ on 4chan, or subreddits with actual good discussions or news I wouldn't get anywhere else.

When I sit in lectures, I see a ton of people just scrolling through 9gag and the front page of Reddit on their laptops, opening every single image macro, .gif and picture of a cat. That truly constitutes "consuming useless information" and a fuck ton of people are doing it, nearly all the time, wherever they go.

I definitely recognize this, and I think it looks pretty sad.
I also happen to be from Sweden, a country where people are said to be fairly reserved, and that's quite true in many ways.
Of course there do exist a number of very outgoing people here as well, but in general it's sort of a social rule to not start chatting with random strangers unless you have a very good excuse to do so, and the whole media thing with laptops and cell-phones makes this even pronounced.
Sometimes I feel like I will be considered weird if I try to start a conversation with someone, especially if they hold tightly onto their cell-phones or whatever they occupy themsleves with at that moment.