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> For instance, check out this recent thread on the SeattleWA subreddit about talking on the bus [1]. Before smart phones it was different. Now an interruption
by com2kid 8y ago
> For instance, check out this recent thread on the SeattleWA subreddit about talking on the bus [1].
Before smart phones it was different. Now an interruption is a distraction from our magic dopamine granting machines.
As someone who worked on early smartphones, I feel a twinge of guilt[0]. The addictive nature of the technology really has destroyed any semblance of mental down time that used to exist.
[0] I'd feel more, but Windows Phone didn't turn into a raging success, so I'll let the Android and iOS engineers contemplate the philosophical implications of their code!
- raverbashing 8y agoReally, I do use it a lot, however I am astounded by the fact some people literally keep their faces at it all the time When walking (pay attention to the traffic!). When riding the bus. When doing pretty much anything. It does get boring after a while, to me at least. And looking at nature or other stuff is good. But no, some people want to stay plugged 100% of the time in some silly freemium game.
- zimpenfish 8y ago> Before smart phones it was different. Not for me. Crippling social anxiety means that anyone unknown talking to me causes panic. Especially on a bus in London which are reknowned for their, uh, "colourful" characters who may well be a harmless eccentric but could equally well be Stabby McStabberson or Robber McFeralYoot.
- drukenemo 8y agoLondon has gone down in the recent years, so I've heard. Do you also feel that?
- zimpenfish 8y agoNo more than when I moved here nearly 20 years ago, really. There's more pressure on people (financial crash, austerity nonsense, etc.) but on the whole it seems fairly similar to me.