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I'm unconvinced by this. I keep all my "on the go" stuff (keys, money, water, some important documents, etc) in a bag, and I almost always keep that bag on me,

by MrJohz 4y ago

I'm unconvinced by this. I keep all my "on the go" stuff (keys, money, water, some important documents, etc) in a bag, and I almost always keep that bag on me, wherever I go, even if I don't think I'm actually going to need all that stuff. For example, if I go to a friend's house, and we go for a walk, I don't really need that stuff, but my instinct is to take the bag anyway. At this point, it's such an ingrained habit that I feel uncomfortable going somewhere without the bag (something my wife mocks me for occasionally). Is that bad? I don't think so. It's a tactic that I've cultivated because otherwise I know I'm going forget something that I need. I might not need everything in that bag, but if I'm out of the house, I'm probably going to need at least something in there. And taking the stuff I don't need has also paid off when I end up changing my plans or something. For me, it's the same with my phone. My phone is my main point of contact to my wife and family, it handles navigation and public transport, it answers questions I have while out and about, and it's also an entertainment system on the way. Not having it makes my life worse and harder. As a result, it's another thing that I always try and keep on me. Obviously there are some situations where it makes sense for me for leave my bag or my phone at home. But in those situations, I'm going to feel slightly uncomfortable because it's interrupting my routine, and that routine is there for very good reason.

_uy6i 4y ago
I think there is a difference between being thrown off by your routine (I have the same feeling if I’m not carrying my wallet or keys with me) and being “addicted” (for lack of a better word) to your phone and going into withdrawal - the number of situations I’m constantly in where people are incapable of being “present” because they are on their phones is depressing and astonishing
- MrJohz 4y ago
  Sure, I guess it ultimately comes down to what specifically the author finds uncomfortable about not having their phone. But I think this narrative of addiction (and the implication that people should be comfortable leaving possibly the most powerful tool that have at their disposal at home) largely feels like fear-mongering. For example, you talk about people being incapable of being present - this seems very far from my experience. I know a couple of people who might check their phone obsessively, or will get distracted looking something up, but generally most people that I hang out with show no signs of difficulty engaging with something - work, a game, a conversation - for long periods of time. That's not to say that carrying around a portable endorphin generator doesn't have its own risks and complexities, but overall, this techno-nihilistic narrative of addiction and incapability rings quite false to me.
antiterra 4y ago
There’s a whole subculture of people who put together ‘Get Home Bags’ in case their car breaks down or some other unforeseen event requires they hoof it. It’s probably not a bad idea.

by MrJohz 4y ago

_uy6i 4y ago

I think there is a difference between being thrown off by your routine (I have the same feeling if I’m not carrying my wallet or keys with me) and being “addicted” (for lack of a better word) to your phone and going into withdrawal - the number of situations I’m constantly in where people are incapable of being “present” because they are on their phones is depressing and astonishing

MrJohz 4y ago
Sure, I guess it ultimately comes down to what specifically the author finds uncomfortable about not having their phone. But I think this narrative of addiction (and the implication that people should be comfortable leaving possibly the most powerful tool that have at their disposal at home) largely feels like fear-mongering. For example, you talk about people being incapable of being present - this seems very far from my experience. I know a couple of people who might check their phone obsessively, or will get distracted looking something up, but generally most people that I hang out with show no signs of difficulty engaging with something - work, a game, a conversation - for long periods of time. That's not to say that carrying around a portable endorphin generator doesn't have its own risks and complexities, but overall, this techno-nihilistic narrative of addiction and incapability rings quite false to me.

antiterra 4y ago

There’s a whole subculture of people who put together ‘Get Home Bags’ in case their car breaks down or some other unforeseen event requires they hoof it. It’s probably not a bad idea.