When loitering, I've found that phones are a strong signal that distinguishes those uninterested in engaging with the strangers around them, from those that are

When loitering, I've found that phones are a strong signal that distinguishes those uninterested in engaging with the strangers around them, from those that are. When trying to convey one's innocuousness to the wardens of a domain, it can be helpful to use your phone. Related, if in a group, everybody else disengages to be engrossed in their phone, it can be helpful to do the same if one does not want to demonstrate a vulnerable dependency on the generosity of their attention. A lot of awkwardness comes down to self-perception of vulnerability.