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Given that a cellphone is necessary for many people to conduct their daily lives/business now[0] and that necessity is increasing over time, your argument quick

Given that a cellphone is necessary for many people to conduct their daily lives/business now[0] and that necessity is increasing over time, your argument quickly boils down to "no one is forcing you to take part in society". Sure, it may true, but what a terrible standard to set or defend. [0] e.g. If I didn't carry a cell phone, I would be fired because I am expected to be reachable while away from the office. This is not a unique situation.

hnrodey 7y ago
> If I didn't carry a cell phone, I would be fired because I am expected to be reachable while away from the office. This is not a unique situation. I would argue that this is unique or at the very least, the minority of positions. Only here to say that it's your choice to engage with an employer who makes that decision for you. In other words, find a new job.
- twojacobtwo 7y ago
  That is just a single example from my personal situation and in my own circle of friends, I am not alone in that expectation. We could look at another example, say the increasingly widespread use of mobile payments in China. How about people living in areas without other major services who need to keep in touch with family/friends/emergency services? Regardless of the other situations, you're also making the assumption that I and others can just immediately find other employment. With the current massive number of layoffs, alternative employment prospects are dropping for a hell of a lot of people. So if this is the only job I can get right now, is it reasonable still to say that I can 'easily' give up my cell phone, for the low low price of not having enough money for rent/mortgage and food?
  - hnrodey 7y ago
    > Regardless of the other situations, you're also making the assumption that I and others can just immediately find other employment. Losing your job because you're "off the grid" is always terrible. This is not an excuse just because now there is more serious ramifications. Perhaps it's just now extra terrible.
- wolco 7y ago
  This is not a unique position. Many people are on call many require 24 hour availability. Police, doctors, office workers, ceos, techs, sales, real estate, etc all makeup a huge list. Not to mention family needs like parenting, or being a safety contact. Cellphones are as necessary as a phone back in the day. You might be able to get away with not having a phone but things like finding work become extremely difficult.
cameronbrown 7y ago
> I am expected to be reachable while away from the office Are you though? Do people not have the right to set boundaries anymore?
- twojacobtwo 7y ago
  I should have said '...during office hours'. I see now that it makes it sound like that's the case even when I'm not working. My mistake.

hnrodey 7y ago

> If I didn't carry a cell phone, I would be fired because I am expected to be reachable while away from the office. This is not a unique situation. I would argue that this is unique or at the very least, the minority of positions. Only here to say that it's your choice to engage with an employer who makes that decision for you. In other words, find a new job.

twojacobtwo 7y ago
That is just a single example from my personal situation and in my own circle of friends, I am not alone in that expectation. We could look at another example, say the increasingly widespread use of mobile payments in China. How about people living in areas without other major services who need to keep in touch with family/friends/emergency services? Regardless of the other situations, you're also making the assumption that I and others can just immediately find other employment. With the current massive number of layoffs, alternative employment prospects are dropping for a hell of a lot of people. So if this is the only job I can get right now, is it reasonable still to say that I can 'easily' give up my cell phone, for the low low price of not having enough money for rent/mortgage and food?
- hnrodey 7y ago
  > Regardless of the other situations, you're also making the assumption that I and others can just immediately find other employment. Losing your job because you're "off the grid" is always terrible. This is not an excuse just because now there is more serious ramifications. Perhaps it's just now extra terrible.
wolco 7y ago
This is not a unique position. Many people are on call many require 24 hour availability. Police, doctors, office workers, ceos, techs, sales, real estate, etc all makeup a huge list. Not to mention family needs like parenting, or being a safety contact. Cellphones are as necessary as a phone back in the day. You might be able to get away with not having a phone but things like finding work become extremely difficult.

cameronbrown 7y ago

> I am expected to be reachable while away from the office Are you though? Do people not have the right to set boundaries anymore?

twojacobtwo 7y ago
I should have said '...during office hours'. I see now that it makes it sound like that's the case even when I'm not working. My mistake.