The Mobile Phone Plague

Angelika Since Michael will explain to you in his section how to make phone calls in America, I will write, somewhat fittingly on the topic, about the cell phone plague in America. On a current note: Michael has been provided with a cell phone as a bonus from his boss because he solved a software problem so elegantly. Well, of course, the underlying reason is that he should always be reachable, and that's exactly why I have a bone to pick with cell phones, or rather with their owners who feel the need to use them everywhere. Since I know that cell phones are also generally popular in Germany and I don't want to risk receiving angry letters, let me note right away that I acknowledge that a cell phone can be very useful in emergencies. But does it really have to be used everywhere? I do enjoy talking on the phone for long periods, but I don't want to share my conversations with the whole world.

In San Francisco, it has really become a plague. The best experience I've had so far is a woman standing in a public restroom happily chatting away, which prompted me to wash my hands particularly loudly and for a long time and to let the hand dryer run for an extended period, as they make a lot of noise (I can be so mean). Talking on the phone while driving is also popular and has already led to many accidents. Since I'm walking a lot, I can tell stories about drivers happily chatting on their phones and almost running me over. In California, due to many accidents, there is now consideration of banning cell phone use while driving. I find it interesting that California is extremely militant against smokers, but when it comes to cell phones, no one really dares to take the initiative. Although, I'll have to add that some restaurants in San Francisco have now become mobile phone-free zones. My attitude is simple: everything in its own time. I have my own theory about why people like to use cell phones in public: so that everyone can see how important they are and how many people they know.

And since I'm already on the topic of the negative developments in modern communication technology, I must quickly get off my chest that there is one innovation, which almost every American household possesses, that I absolutely cannot stand: the so-called "Call Waiting." "Call Waiting" sends a tone signal if someone else tries to call while you're already on the phone. So, while you're deeply engaged in a conversation, the person with "Call Waiting" suddenly hears the signal. They can then switch to the other call, leaving you bored on the line until they're ready to speak with you again. Even though there have been instances in Germany where people desperately tried to reach me and even called technical support because the line was always busy, "Call Waiting" will not be coming into my house.