Smart phones versus laptop computers

The Cowboys (who were they playing?     ) game was on the entire time our family was eating our Thanksgiving dinner.
 
When people were finished eating, they got up and watched the game.
 
A big percentage of the people at dinner were in the 20 - 40 year old range.  (I'm not even close)
 
Of that generation at least 90% of them were on their phones checking the stats, odds, over-under or whatever they called it or even Facebook while watching the game and eating dinner.  A couple of them were even texting each other.  Some of the older people were doing the very same thing,
 
So, I go get my laptop.  Everyone was finished eating by that time.  
 
You would have thought the earth had stopped.  I, it seemed was not being polite.  What?  (This of course came from my mother)
 
So...  do you think holding a phone and staring at it in a group full of people is any different than using a laptop?
 
Anyone want to teach me how to use my phone?
 
 
 
 

Personally, I think that it is rude to have any electronic device at a family dinner. It seems to me that they would know better. I am in my 40s and was raised better than that.  That aside, I really hate people who talk on their cell phones too loudly in public. I really don't need to hear their half of a conversation that should remain private.
 
David O.
 
p.s. I can't work my cell phone too well either.

What you describe -- watching television using cell phones, texting during dinner -- isn't age specific or generational. It is, instead, the boorish behavior of people who have no regard for others, which is the definition of ill-mannered.

Michael Hoffman


What you describe -- watching television using cell phones, texting during dinner -- isn't age specific or generational. It is, instead, the boorish behavior of people who have no regard for others, which is the definition of ill-mannered.

Ditto!!!!

Wish I could help Mar, my phone is about 5 years old and not very smart. As for electronics at dinner, I wouldn't allow it.

Using the phone, texting or what ever is any different than someone reading a mag or newspaperat dinner during the 50's, 60's & 70's?   .... Noooo.....
 
At least you waited until after dinner to use the laptop ...good
 
How to use the phone:  It rings, answer with a Hello;  ... if it is an automated call, hang up; ... if they want money, hang up; ... if they tell you, "you have won", ... tell them to send a check ... then hang up;   ... if it is my wife, tell her you have not seen me! ... talk or hang up.    .... Phones doing more than this are a waste of time, use a LAPTOP.

Agnesrob, exactly!  I waited until after dinner but I was the ony one "called" on it after dinner when most were watching the game.
 
I found the telelphone use during dinner quite "ill-mannered".  ( or .")   It was the constant checking of the phones that I found objectionable.  They really weren't talking on them.
 
We had I believe 3 different tables set up and the adults were in a separate room.
 
The younger generation seem to have these phones glued to their hands.  I was surprised when a cousin older than myself checked his phone for information to back his side of a discussion while we were eating.
 
With the advent of calculators many have lost the ability to do simple math calculations in their head.
 
With these information phones we'll never have to think again.   (I think)

I agree that the constant use of smartphones when one is in the company of others is boorish and downright rude.  A friend of mine is a college dean.  She told me that last summer she interviewed a young man for a teaching position and he was texting through the interview!  Needless to say, he didn't get the job.  I have a feeling that some of these kids don;t even realize they're doing it!

Did you say people sitting at the same table were texting EACH OTHER rather than just talking?
 
Sorry, but as far as I'm concerned that's just goofy but as a stockholder in assorted cell phone companies I guess I shouldn't complain.  Personally, I have a smart phone but I declined to pay an extra $5 a month for texting.  Rather just talk to somebody, either directly or on the (expensive) phone.

 
I am very good at leaving the phone behind, when I'm at the table, in a social gathering, etc.
 
I won't even take/make a call when with other people.  I'm not sure why ... there are times when it is just fine ... I just feel like you are taking over the room when you subject others to a one sided conversation.
 
That said, I feel it is okay to talk on a phone anywhere it is okay to talk ... I didn't say it's okay to talk loudly on the phone anyplace when you are in earshot of others.
 
Back to your gathering ... many, especially younger ones, don't seem to have had any manners training.
 
As far as the laptop coming out in a room full of self-centered phone users ... NO PROBLEM>

 
Another annoyance:  people (mostly kids) who have a less than subtle notifier for their incoming text messages ... who needs to hear their fight songs, or jungle music every 12 seconds as they conduct any number of text conversations.  Mine goes "beep" and, despite sometimes having trouble hearing in noisy rooms, it works just fine for me.

^^^  My "ringtone" is Edith Piaf singing "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien":  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YkLq6J_6cA
 
There's a subtle hint there, also expressed more unsubtly by a middle digit.  ;)