By Roger C. Kostmayer

It has become the rule rather than the exception that audiences, meetings, meals and social or cultural gatherings are routinely subjected to rude interruptions from iPhone noise and lights.  These unpleasant occurrences take place in spite of repeated polite requests to “Please turn your phone off”. It’s hard to fathom which part of the adverb “off” is confusing to so many.

The issue is about human nature, the rise of narcissism and how society should address disruptive, but not illegal, technological offenses.  I’ve been told that my guaranteed 100% successful remedy (public hanging) is an over reaction. But reasonable people, meaning those over 60, agree that almost no one is required to bring electronic devices to theaters, symphonies, movies, lectures and similar public events, which suggests 90% of us should leave iPhones at home or in the car when attending these events.  Deprivation of instant communication with everyone didn’t prevent our species from flourishing in the past, and our communities and social relationships might even improve from this kind of reform.

Self- regulation is always the ideal solution but every day, folks keep proving the futility of that approach. In light of the most obvious alternatives, which includes checking your phones at the door or installing devices that render electronics inoperative, you’d think we’d all make a better effort to improve our civil courtesy.

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