Really? I’m an Idiot for Leaving a Voice Message?

Yep, I know I addressed this concern before, but I heard a comedienne mention this again a few days ago and I just had to state my case once more, whether anyone agrees with it or not. So, here we go.

A few years ago while on one of my social networks, I read comments a few people made about how crazy and lame it is for people to actually leave voice messages when calling someone’s mobile device should they not answer. Yeah…and? They go on to say that if you see my telephone number pop up then you should know that means you are to hit me back (return their call). Really now? Don’t telemarketers, robocallers, and phone scammers do stuff like that? Dial your number and if you don’t answer they hang up? Are you suppose to call them back too? OK, so I know I’m sounding quite facetious but I do have a point here…again you don’t have to agree with me, but I’m taking up for all of my fellow idiots who practice proper phone courtesies.

So, tell me why is this feature on the phone if we are to avoid using it? Having several people accidentally call me without leaving a message, I worried that something was wrong. I called them back after seeing their number show up a few times, only to have them tell me they must have accidentally hit redial or that the phone was in their pocket and the redial key was accidentally hit. Ok, that I can understand and accept.

I suppose I am just old school and learned many moons ago that one of the proper phone etiquettes mean if you want someone to return your call should they not answer their phone and they have a voicemail or answering machine, then leave a voice message letting them know that you needed to speak to them and to return your call at their earliest convenience. Can someone please tell me how idiotic that is? Ok, so you’re telling me people just don’t practice proper phone etiquette like this anymore?

Call me a dinosaur, but I suppose I am still going to leave a voice message if you don’t answer. I won’t assume anything, because you’ve heard what they say about assumptions right? Geez, Louise!

Attention Deficit Seduction

Image credit: Richard Revel

Have we become blinded by how much we are more controlled by technology than we care to admit? Our very thoughts, imagination, analytical perception, and creativity all seem to be controlled by our digital devices. Are we now becoming the robots, in this crazy role reversal? Don’t get me wrong, I like my mobile devices, but I refuse to let them seduce me into a scary and obsessive relationship.

I was recently listening to a conversation about how common it is for people to walk and text, or drive and text simultaneously, oftentimes resulting in some scary and tragic situations. Although driving while texting is illegal in many states, walking while texting can be just as hazardous. Why are we so obsessed over our Smartphones and digital devices? How did we become so seduced by those illuminating screens that make us lose our sense of awareness?

Many people do not find this seduction problematic, but let’s face it, our digital devices are just as addicting than controlled substances. Go into practically any restaurant and observe how many people cannot sit, talk and eat without grabbing their Smartphones. It appears that no one wants or prefers to talk anymore, but instead prefers to let their fingers do the talking.

Another alarming thing I have noticed more often than I care to admit is when you see parents or caretakers paying more attention to their smartphones than they do to their kids. Of course, as some of you may have experienced, saying something to these adults brings on a glare of war declared on you for saying something, or they may even hurl insults back at you…like mind your own damn business kind of responses. 

While many feel this is our new normal, should we just deal with it? I am inclined to believe that Attention Deficit Seduction is too great of a risk to take when it comes down to the safety of yourself and others. That’s just my two cents for today!

You Talkin’ To Me?

The evolution of the telecommunications device that was invented 141 years ago, permits 2 or more users to conversate when they are too far apart to be heard directly. This invention has transformed the way we communicate today. On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for the telephone.

For decades there has been the debate on whether Bell was actually the first to invent the telephone. Several controversies have long hovered over this invention. Many of Bell’s critics, including Elisha Gray, Thomas Edison and Antonio Meucci, all claiming to have invented the telephone first, accused Congressman Gardiner G. Hubbard, Bell’s father-in-law, of persuading the patent office to give Bell his patent over Gray.

Yet even in the midst of this ongoing controversy about the telephone patent, today we see the technology of telecommunications and mobility leap beyond the type of advancement we could ever dream. From wall mounted, to telephone booths, to desktop, to smartphones, and to wearable technology, the art and science of communications are taking us to a universe of innovation we never thought possible.

Image Source Credit: http://wearablecomputergear.com