LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Cell phones threaten art of conversation

Marte Jones, Las Vegas

Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 | 2:06 a.m.

I know it’s just the way of the world and technology, but the use of cell phones, especially in public, is getting to be a bit much.

There are two kinds of cell phone users in grocery stores, for example. There’s one who will just take incoming calls, because they might be important, and there’s the other who will walk up and down the aisles gabbing away.

And of course there are drivers who are distracted by their cell phone conversations. It should be illegal for drivers to use cell phones because of the danger of them running off the road or into someone.

And there is another issue. I’m concerned that we may be losing our face-to-face interpersonal skills, also known as the ability to have a conversation. When people talk for hours on the phone, typically there is nothing to talk about when they get together, because it’s all been said.

People seem to have lost their social skills, and this concerns me.

Discussion: 2 comments so far…

By neiman1

8/13/09 at 12:11 p.m.

Suggest removal

You can purchase a cell phone blocker and carry it in your pocket. It stops all calls within about 10 yards. It is amazing to use in restaurants and movie theaters. Drives the must talk loudly crowd insane as their calls stop. More entertainment than giving facts to an Acorn.
By jemster

8/13/09 at 1:45 p.m.

Suggest removal

I definitely agree. I only will answer mine when I am out if I think it might be important and then rarely. I have voice mail and they can leave a message which when convenient I can listen to without bothering anyone around me. Drivers should get an ear piece or blue tooth so they keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Also keep the conversation to a minimum.