For the third time this month, a couple was spotted inappropriately interacting in South Dining Hall, openly conversing and neglecting their iPhones. This is a growing problem across campus that needs to be addressed. Multiple eyewitnesses claim other students choose to avoid eating at the right-right side of the dining hall in attempt to avoid a potential encounter with the pair.
One bystander complained, “That couple is disgusting. How can I possibly Instagram a picture of my lasagna with those two making eye-contact in the background?”
Another onlooker felt violated by the couple’s laughing and constant talking.
“They had the audacity to talk to each other the entire meal without ever looking at their phones,” she said. “I’ve always heard that things like this happen, but I never thought I would see it.”
This kind of public display of communication should be banned throughout campus. Social media psychologist Fay Spook said this behavior is now being categorized as early signs of ‘iNeglect.’ Students will leave their phones on the table without looking at them. Sometimes they will even leave them in their backpack.
Many ‘iNeglectors’ have a history of abusing technology. Early symptoms of ‘iNeglect’ includes letting a Tamagotchi die, reading books, refusing to make a Facebook account and in the worst cases, letting a piece of technology die and not charging it immediately. Many ‘iNeglectors’ have a history of punishment by a close family member or parent for watching television during the school week, making the child feel humiliated and disconnected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ‘iNeglect’, it’s not too late. A counselor is only a text away … during convenient hours. For the sake of your iPhone and all iPhones, speak up against technology abuse. Don’t ignore your Twitter or Snap notifications. Prevent the illusion that personal relationships are valuable by paying closer attention to your phone in public and private settings. Make sure to get in the habit of personalizing your text tone to prevent confusion among peers and making your iPhone feel special.
There are proven positive effects of remaining emotionally absent in personal interactions. By getting in the routine of using your iPhone as a tool for avoiding awkward situations, you can learn to confront your problems without dealing with real people. Embrace the inevitable decline of intimate relationships because they are repulsing and require far too much effort and communication on a personal level.
If you have any further questions regarding this topic, snap your concerns to username iPhoneAddictions (please limit messages to 10 seconds or under, thank you).
