Mobile Moments

(Before i start the entry let me state that i have nothing against technology but the way it has permeated our lives and is encompassing almost every moment of our existence is funny. While i had been thinking of putting these thoughts together i wasnt sure of the title - i got it from The Idea cellular planner for the year which captures the same - Mobile moments - pardon the plagiarism. But am glad to say its only the title that is borrowed.)

In one of my previous entries i had written about the txt / sms and its impact on language. Heres another facet of technology - Mobile phones. Mobile phones are everywhere. I see it all around. Its an escape mechanism . Its a comfort provider. Its an instant way to reach out. Reach out to distant people, forget the ones around you,thats the telecom mantra.Its an easy way to avoid peoople around. Fiddling with mobiles is a big thing. "Who the hell is everybody talking to? "Among the very many places that i find mobile phones and their usage funny am listing down a few:

* Airports : If you havent noticed it yet, notice it next time when you are in the airport lounge. Everyone is talking to someone. Some complaining and cribbing about delayed flights ; some discussing their travel adventures and excursions but most of them just trying to reach out to their comfort zone. May be at a deeper level mobile technology is constraining the social skills of people; of reaching out to strangers.Thats before boarding the flights.

Even after being seated in the flight some people go ahead informing friends and relatives that they are "in the flight" . The government regulations do not permit usage of phones in flight, but who cares. Then the instruction to switch off mobiles. How difficult to be out of touch !Imagining the world did exist without mobiles a few years back seems a little unbelievable when people want to keep in touch even in the skies.

The flight lands. The first thing people do is switch on mobiles.Like they were expecting a call from God or something. The response is so instinctive and instantaneous that if you dont do it you feel you might miss out on all the people calling you. What syndrome is that? Like am the most important person and this world awaits me.Its not about the world missing you , its about you missing the world. Call, call ,call again. The new generation of mobile phone users have a message embedded in their DNA. It says, " The world is calling".

* Jogging tracks : Airports are still ok.You are bored , you are with a bunch of strangers and you want to feel at home so you call at home or wherever else , whoever else makes you feel at home. But the jogging track.Thats not transit time.Thats time taken out to be dedicated to the body.To be dedicated to yourself , by yourself and for yourself. Or is it? People walking / jogging on the track talking to others- about what i wonder. Like how many steps have i taken or proving a point that multitasking is a skill and how multifaceted one can be. I dont know for sure.But i know one thing that the world can do with your temporary absence for an hour or so.

* In Transit: Many a people also have their ear plugs on while running , walking and travelling. Another way of increasing media consumption.Not really.Another way of escaping reality is more like it. Escape the blaring horns, the roaring engines , the screaming vendor tring to sell. Put your ear plugs on.Transform your world to the AC studio of the RJs. Just listen to them. Even better get some pointers about whats happening around you so you get a point of discussion. I guess the real world has become too difficult to handle, to loud to pay attention to , to stark without glares on.Welcome to the intransit media world. I dont know if its really real. I dont know if its unreal. I know it exists. I know it helps you escape the real.

*Loo: This is the worst place to get your mobile ringing and trust me it does. Anyone who has experienced it would know.I do want my privacy and dont want to "stay connected" always. Please let the world pee in peace.