The mobile technology of the last decade has swept the world, probably only second to the internet in all-consuming new consumer choices, so much so that it is now extremely rare to find someone without one. Even those who desperately tried to resist it for years had to eventually give in as they could no longer survive in a society that has now become completely dependent on it. But how does it happen that we go from being completely independent of something to being completely dependent on it in a matter of years?
Well clearly it was a great marketing ruse that caught on. It must have gone from ‘incredibly fun’ to ‘convenient’ before it became necessary. But was this fun and convenience that they bestowed upon the human race really necessary? Were people literally dying without mobile phones, like the people who live under the shadow of phone masts are dying now from contracting tumors? I guess it’s hard to weigh up the pros and cons, but all I know is the place where you are likely to find the highest number of mobile phones is also the place where you would be in least need of one- the city. The only real life changing advantages they bestow is if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and fear starvation. So be sure take one with you next time you go on expedition to the Alps. Otherwise, in what way are they possibly urgent and life-saving? If the answer is: in no other way, and the science behind the health dangers of wireless technology is still non-existent, then wouldn’t it be better to err on the side of legitimate caution and wean ourselves off them completely? In effect, to practice what environmentalists call the ‘precautionary principle’.
Oh! But who would give up their beloved plugless drug? It could mean relative economic destitution- most big employers wouldn’t want to know you, but on the plus side, you would still have all the bare necessities of life and even the decencies thrown in for good measure. The most damaging effects would actually be social. For someone like me who can’t afford their own landline, I’d lose 90 per cent of my friends who live at least 5 miles away from me. With the amount of chatting I do, I’d be able to write a 60,000 couplet epic in my new free time. I may even be forced to befriend my neighbours. Who knows? Maybe my social life could get back on track- I would be all the rage with the pensioners down at the local bingo hall. Giving up the mobile phone would be a lonely road for anyone under 40, let alone under 25. But it would be fun to try, no? Come on! Who else is in? Anyone? No one? It’s not going to happen is it?
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4 comments:
no probably not going to happen. but we are right there with you. we finally gave up our land line as well. now both sets of our parents, who live 600ish miles away are "local calls" because they are on the same service system. on the other hand...we have to pay to call our neighbors. :/
best wishes,
LoA.
Where abouts do you live?
I tried cutting down, much to the annoyance of friends, but then I forgot all about my resolve when I started my new job- "rolls eyes* what a shameless conformist I am.
we are south of boston, in the states.
and (being cynical) once you get a job and start paying taxes you are already a conformist no matter what you do.
there is a joke: what is the difference between a radical and a liberal? a liberal is a radical with money.
or, as one of my friends likes to call leftish leaning academics, etc.: we are "bo-bo's" = bourgeois bohemians.
which is why i suppose i have to admit that while i am still critical of the limits of capitalism, my stand on it has softened somewhat. i find it difficult to criticize without always trying to account for the ways in which i am thoroughly caught up in it and dependent upon it.
best wishes,
LoA.
Although I have a job, I still don't have any money, So I guess I'm still a radical. hehe
And being non-conformist by no means has to involve breaking the law. I was hoping that earning a living wouldn't stop people from the everyday grassroots power they exert through non-conformist lifestyles and the consumer vote. But non-conformist lifestyles would have to involve a sacrifice of a certain level of economic and social comfort which I for one am not ready to give up yet.
Bo-bo's! I love that!
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