Constantly On Phones At SXSW

Walking around SXSW it is amazing how many people are sitting alone looking at their phones.  Then there are the people walking while looking at their phones.  And worst of all are those standing or sitting with other, while ignoring the live conversations around them to look at their phones.

Few people ever seem to talk on phones.  Fewer still seem to talk to those in the same room.

At a party I witnessed a group of four people (all seemed to be friends) sitting at table.  No conversation or eye contact.  They were heavily focused on their screens.

I walked by the large picture window of an upscale bar.... several people sitting at tables, staring at phones.  This was a bar with well dressed attractive people who were ignoring each other to look at electronic devices.

I wonder if we could start a movement at SXSW for just the thirty minutes from 12:00 - 12:30 PM on Monday where people would stop looking at screens and speak to other humans?  

Doubtful that it would catch on, but I will be the one person not using an app or sending a tweet at lunchtime on Monday.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer