To be honest, I blame the parents who buy these devices for their kids. The kids can't afford them, right? I have stopped lunch dates with friends and such when they spend too much time on their phones. If we've planned to spend time together, put your fucking phone down! I don't carry mine around at work, only pull it out durning lunch, and basically set it on my coffee table when I get home. I'm not married to it, and find devices have made people so rude. I don't have time for rude people.

I wouldn’t say that it’s taken over. Just like everything which has simplified our lives as humans, it has become just that. Plus with all that information and interaction at everyone’s disposal. That’s just what will happen. Plus the dopamine satisfying aspects of social media contributes to that. I at times have to remind myself that it’s just a tool and the same way I don’t walk around with a hammer of spoon in my hands. It’s the same way I should treat it.

I wouldn’t say that it’s taken over. Just like everything which has simplified our lives as humans, it has become just that. Plus with all that information and interaction at everyone’s disposal. That’s just what will happen. Plus the dopamine satisfying aspects of social media contributes to that. I at times have to remind myself that it’s just a tool and the same way I don’t walk around with a hammer of spoon in my hands. It’s the same way I should treat it.

I have a smart phone. I love it because it's a phone and a small portable computer that I can do a ton of things on, but I agree with you. I have a couple of nieces that usually come over on Sundays. One is 12 and the other is 8. The 12 year old has her face in the phone all day and the 8 year old has her face in her laptop or tablet all day. The 8 year old takes some breaks and interacts, but it's like pulling teeth to get both of them to say something. Sometimes you talk to them and they don't even know you're talking to them. I notice the same thing with some older people too. I see people outside with their faces in their phones the whole time. If I'm outside, I like to be outside. If I'm with friends, I like to be with friends and talk with them. I hardly ever check my phone when I'm outside unless it's to look something up my friends and I are talking about, or if we need directions.

Yes. Those young people have retreated from the world of real human contact. Asa consequence, they are impeded in their social development and overall personality development.

The last date I went on he and I watched and laughed as we were the only two in an entire theater of elderly people that were not on our phones.

I detest the way it has taken over my life!

You are correct in your assertion that cell phones have taken over our youngsters lives . I am a teacher and I submitted a post on this subject where I stated that cell phones should not be permitted in the classroom due to the student distraction, disruption ,cheating , fighting , bullying and theft that occurs due to this gross misuse of technology

Blame the parents. It's % under their control. They choose to have their kids zombies so they don't actually have to "parent" them. It's sheer laziness.

Blame the parents they bought them

I totally agree with you. As an example ,you go into a restaurant and the girl and guy sitting together are both texting and not even paying attention to each other . Its pathetic.

I agree...

But I am typing this into my phone. The irony.