Resistance is Futile

OK, so we all are cognizant of the fact that cellphones and their related accessories have made life in the early part of the 21st century immeasurably easy. I can only think of how much time could have been saved during the high school years with easy phone access to coordinate rides, practice times and the like. But there are a few aspects and habits that have developed with cellphone proliferation that need to be commented on. So, this post begins an occasional series on cellphone etiquette. Today's topic in this vein is the prominence of bluetooth earpieces.

There is an undeniable convenience factor to these devices. Cellphones can be awkward and cumbersome when held next to the head for more than a couple minutes. And if your employer has removed all the traditional land line phones and assigned everyone a mobile communications device, like mine has, then it is sometimes to take notes or send emails during a phone call with one hand holding the phone in place. Lastly, but more importantly, is the difficulty and risk of using a cell while driving. For all these situations, a wireless (aka "bluetooth") attachment that fits snuggley in the ear cavity makes life much better.

The gripe comes when users of these products leave them married to their person for long periods of time when not using their phone. They look like an early incarnation of the Borg. Slowly, over time, these electronics will weave their way into your brain and become part human, part machine. If you consider these fears overhyped, then I'll provide another reason to take the damn thing out when you're not going to be making calls: appropriateness. There are many situations when social norms suggest you should truncate your use of these devices. Such examples can be found here, here and here.

So, while we're sympathetic to your need to use earpieces in appropriate circumstances, take them out the rest of the time, lest you look like a goddamn idiot.