As I was walking around campus the other day I couldn't help but notice the amount of faces glued to their cell phones.
I could literally watch people I know walk by me without even looking up to notice me.
I will admit that I fall into this cell phone, crazed category, as well.
I too have walked into a few walls from time to time, because I have been utterly attached to looking at the screen of my phone.
It got me thinking about all the electronics that seem to consume our worlds.
iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, along with their social apps and websites, allow us to connect with one another without even having to see each other.
I feel as though these new technological advances have greatly distorted the meaning of verbal communication.
Although, don't get me wrong, these new innovations have their positives too.
I don't know how I would remain in contact with some of the people I've met over the years if it wasn't for Facebook, or how I would be able entertain myself through a boring class without texting a friend.
The truth is, we are too obsessed about missing out.
It seems every year Apple comes out with a new iPhone product that offers more perks and every year people are foaming at the mouth to get a hold of them.
Not only has the iPhone become today's main form of communicating but it has also developed into a way of living.
Cell phones can tell a lot about one's personality and motivations.
Going through one's cell phone would be like reading their journal.
Their texts, phone calls and recent Internet searches could reveal so much about what kind of social crowd they run with and the type of things they do.
People can create identities for themselves, the way they want others to perceive them, through apps such as Twitter, Instagram, Yik Yak, Tinder and even Snapchat.
They allow us to premeditate any conversation we have with someone, which can be a good thing at times, but isn't reality.
With all that said, I do see why I people ignore face-to-face contact when one could communicate to someone exactly how they want to, by means of a single cell phone.
Not to mention, it can be more convenient.
However, I believe there is something more meaningful about a conversation in person.
For me personally, I feel more in tune to what the other person is saying and feeling when I am talking to them from across a table.
Their body language, touch and non-verbal cues can tell me so much more about where the conversation is heading than an emoji in a text can.
I think there is something to be said about two people sharing words with one another in person.
It shows an effort to take the time to meet with them and is a sign of respect for that person.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
