America's Dependency on Technology

MacLean, Doug. October 7th, 2003. "Dependency on Technology." http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback27.html

I read an opinion from Doug MacLean, someone who does all his work on a computer sitting at home, on his view of America's dependency on technology. He talked about the black out that occured on most of the east coast in 2003 and how millions of people were completely thrown off when they didnt have electricity or access to a computer. To some it was a nightmare but to others, a big party in the city.
Doug MacLean used a great example to describe the dependency on technology.

"The dependency on technology is a two edge sword. As a person that is house bound for physical reasons it is easier than ever. I can work, shop and chat with friends all from the comfort of my seat. I see the down side more in the younger members of our society."

Technology brings so much into the world and is a wonderful advancement in todays society. Technology has made communication, building, transportation, household chores, cooking, and so much more easier, especially when aiding people who are "house bound for physical reasons." This is one sharp point of the sword.

"... every teenager has a cell phone and it appears to have been surgically attached to them."

This is another point of the sword, the downside in technology. Young adults in this generation are so involved in technology and dependent on it that it is hard for them to learn how to do things for themselves. Almost every person in the younger generations are so wrapped up in cell phones they will drop anything just for that phone call or that text message. But it is not just teenagers that are attached to their phones, many adults LIVE on their cell phone. For example, my father's cell phone is a growth on his hip or an earring for his ear with his tiny, thumbnail ear piece. His cell phone is his home phone, work phone, entertainment, and computer all in a tiny gadget that is always attached to his hip on a fancy little clip or on his ear with his bluetooth ear clip. This is not necessarily a bad thing but in some cases it is shown as a bad thing to be on your phone any time any place. For example, in restaurants you can hear people gabbing away on their phone and its rude! I dont want to hear someone talking on their phone about their boyfriend or their cat dying. I would like to sit down and enjoy my meal just like anybody else. The same concept applies to the dinner table or any public place if someone is causing a distraction when talking on their cell phone.
My questions for the day:

• Are people aware of cell phone ettiquette?
• What is the cell phone ettiquette?