Smartphones are valuable because they make it possible to substitute tasks over time and across locations. As a result we are freer to be where we want to be when we want to be even if we have work to do. So when you see, say a parent thumbing away on his iPhone at an otherwise family function, before you judge him remember that without his iPhone he might not be there at all.
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4 comments
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July 22, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Lawrence M
I agree but I have to keep reminding myself that’s a slippery slope. Everything that has made life more efficient seems to make us produce more work without necessarily reducing the number of hours we work. Besides, if you’re on the iPhone, are you making yourself available to your kids? One day you’re only taking calls at your kid’s baseball game. Then on his birthday, you’re on the phone during the whole party.
July 22, 2009 at 5:13 pm
PLW
“before you judge him remember that without his iPhone he might not be there at all.”
And then judge him.
July 22, 2009 at 6:05 pm
jeff
Ouch
July 22, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Chris
“before you judge him remember that without his iPhone he might not be there at all.”
Him? Mothers have Treos instead of iPhones?