If somebody from a distant planet landed on earth and undertook to write a report on its dwellers, he would probably record that they seem to be subservient to an intriguing little box called a cellphone.
The observer would not be too surprised though. On his own planet, machines of all sorts also mingle freely with its inhabitants and even compete with them. Some rightwing alarmists have voiced concerns that these “things” might even breed with them and eventually enslave the entire galaxy. But they are no concrete facts (so far) to substantiate these assertions.
There is no doubt that cellular phones are amazing entities capable of performing many tasks. But it is up to humans to keep them in check and decline to respond to their every request. If not, they can become extremely aggressive and seriously harm relationships. Like spoiled children cellphones must be disciplined and taught that there is a time and a place for everything.
If not restrained they will intrude on very facet of your life, spoil dinner parties, religious services, yoga sessions and even sexual congresses, a multi-consequential transgression to avoid at all costs.
So-called smart phones are amazingly versatile devices capable of executing many tasks, but humans should avoid becoming too fond of them.
Cellphones should mainly be used to communicate with relatives, friends, coworkers and bookies. They can be a lifeline and a powerful psychological prop for seniors or people living alone knowing that they can summon help anytime.
A cellphone is like a pacemaker for these people, and whatever the reasons it should never be turned off.
On the plus side, cellphones can help with destination guidance, transfer of data, photos of accidents, or videos of civic disturbances.
But they can also be a great source of distraction and considerably increase the risks of accidents. And there are also more secrets hidden inside a cellphone than anywhere else. In case of loss it could become a serious liability.
Cellphones are generally thin and good-looking, and one finds it difficult to break up with them. To stay in good terms with your clingy device, keep it fully charged and take it out to a fancy place once in a while… and ask it to keep mum.
As they say in France: “Sois belle et tais toi” (be beautiful and keep quiet).
Alain