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I would have a hard time agreeing with the author, even metaphorically. The author even seems to suggest the iPhone is more of a symptom of broader cultural iss

by II2II 4y ago

I would have a hard time agreeing with the author, even metaphorically. The author even seems to suggest the iPhone is more of a symptom of broader cultural issues: > But capitalism cannot tolerate “free” time and space. And, so, at last, we have the iPhone. A device that forces us to look down and ignore changes in light. Perhaps things are different in different cities, but having one's gaze fixated upon a screen while walking is more of an exception than a rule. Even going about life with earbuds firmly implanted within one's ears is far from universal. Yet that does not make people watching any more interesting. You can attribute that capitalism not tolerating free time and space if you like. Personally, I think it has more to do with our streets being conduits for transportation rather than being appreciated as public spaces. It is not as though capitalism forbids free time. Indeed, much of it depends upon free time. Yet we still live in a world where many people won't go out unless they have a purpose, may that be going from point A to B or going for a jog to get/stay fit. Appreciating one's surroundings appears to be reserved for tourists.

dorchadas 4y ago
I live in Dublin, and I walk (currently unemployed waiting for masters results and applying) a lot. It's not uncommon for me to spend the better part of the day out just wandering the city. There's definitely a lot of people with their heads in their phones (myself included at times, though I try not to!). I've been pushed off the sidewalk multiple times, or bumped into, by people not looking up where they're walking and just kinda zig-zagging down the sidewalk. Often, they've got their airpods in and their head still in the phone. Maybe it's a Dublin thing though.
- II2II 4y ago
  I certainly agree that people walk around with their noses in their phone. I see it every day. I also see many more people with earbuds, but I live in a neighbourhood that has an abundance of joggers. The thing that I disagree with is the phone a cause of the social disengagement that we see on the street. There are people who are disengaged because of this technology, yet it is a far cry from the majority of them. Are phones a symptom of social disengagement, sure. But how do you explain all of those people who aren't engaged with their surroundings yet aren't hiding behind technology?

by II2II 4y ago

dorchadas 4y ago

I live in Dublin, and I walk (currently unemployed waiting for masters results and applying) a lot. It's not uncommon for me to spend the better part of the day out just wandering the city. There's definitely a lot of people with their heads in their phones (myself included at times, though I try not to!). I've been pushed off the sidewalk multiple times, or bumped into, by people not looking up where they're walking and just kinda zig-zagging down the sidewalk. Often, they've got their airpods in and their head still in the phone. Maybe it's a Dublin thing though.

II2II 4y ago
I certainly agree that people walk around with their noses in their phone. I see it every day. I also see many more people with earbuds, but I live in a neighbourhood that has an abundance of joggers. The thing that I disagree with is the phone a cause of the social disengagement that we see on the street. There are people who are disengaged because of this technology, yet it is a far cry from the majority of them. Are phones a symptom of social disengagement, sure. But how do you explain all of those people who aren't engaged with their surroundings yet aren't hiding behind technology?