In current times, meal tables in homes and restaurants are likely to have multiple phones at the ready, and to be used liberally. What accounts for this cultural change?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
1st Blog Spring 2012--Shifts in social acceptable behavior
My grandmother absolutely would not allow the telephone to be answered during meal time. Her position was you are at dinner with family or friends and it was rude and inconsiderate to their time and company to be on the phone with others.
In current times, meal tables in homes and restaurants are likely to have multiple phones at the ready, and to be used liberally. What accounts for this cultural change?
In current times, meal tables in homes and restaurants are likely to have multiple phones at the ready, and to be used liberally. What accounts for this cultural change?
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Stephanie M: 98 (ONLINE)
ReplyDeleteI remember that before cell phones were a needed and much relied on source of communication, if the family received a phone call at dinner, it would be ignored until after everything was done. Now, in a restaurant or as a guest in someone else's home, I've always thought that it was rude to see so many people handling phone calls, texts or otherwise at the dinner table. It is especially rude when you are with family or a large group of people. However, I sometimes think that certain conditions allow for the option. Cell phone use is awesome, for example, when you are expecting another guest and have no idea when they are going to arrive...a simple text can let everyone know they're on the way. But, some people literally spend 90% of their day sending useless banter back and forth or blowing off real interacting to just talk on the phone with whoever they want. Don't get me wrong...I'm all for the uses you can get out of a phone. I'm just not OK with what is deemed "acceptable" by so many other people. Some people don't really have manners anymore...and I sadly see it passed on to their kids. DON'T get me started on children and cell phone use though! XD
Kathy W. 96
ReplyDeleteI believe that one reason this practice is not held as dear today is partly due to the break down of the family unit.Secondly because of modern technology such as cell phones,computers,video games and the list goes on and on. We as a people have become so distance and I believe in this instance our own advance knowledge could be our down fall.
Merry B, 97 online
Deletei agree, i believe technology (as nice as it is) is more of a hinder on what is really important. The family needs to reunite and get back to way things use to be.
I agree because all of the technology that is available really don't allow you to be face to face & one-one, and this is causing breakdown in human relationships. I also agree with MerryB the family needs to reunite & get back to way things used to be.
DeleteSylvenna H.96
ReplyDeleteIn my home still uses the rule of removing all phones from the table. As a result I have a good connection with my family. I belive as the world keeps creating different technologies our families tend to not speak to each other because they are to distracted by materialistic things. Some families have lost the bond that generations before us has had.
In my home we're not to strict on phone usage. But when we're at the dinner table phones never even show there plastic faces. For one, were laughing so much that phones are the last thought on our minds but if you were to get a important call then of course you can take a second to STEP AWAY from the table and answer. The technologhy of iphones, ipods, ipads and ect... Accounts for this change. Think about it, Have you ever seen a kid at the dinner table with a CD player? or a tape player??? Exactly! The better technologhy gets the more we become consumed with it and have to use it or play with it on a hourly basis.
ReplyDeleteStephanie M.: 98 (ONLINE) in response to Sylvenna H.: 96
ReplyDeleteI can agree with your statement about technology interfering with familial connection. I think we also tend to alienate ourselves from our friends and acquaintances because it's just easier to interact through our mobile Facebooks, texts and phone calls.
On the other hand, sometimes it is the only way to contact other people within your family unit. I love being able to just send a message to my Aunt in Florida instead of calling as an interruption or having face to face interaction. While all means of social networking has done some bad things for our society, there are benefits to retaining the closeness to family you never had the chance to in the first place.
Sylvenna H. 96 (online) in response to Stephanie M. 96
ReplyDeleteI agree with your second paragraph. I sometime forget that technology can connect us with our family memebers that are far away, because we both know plane tickets are not cheap. So this actually means that technology is good and bad for different reasons.
Diana C. 98
ReplyDeleteWe are now living in the technology universe, so when I see a couple having dinner at a restaraunt and the spouse answers his/her phone interupting a romantic evening, I am not surprised. The world is more into social networking than family values, like sitting all together at dinner time and talking about how their day was or even watching a program on television together. Now, they would rather text their family about how their day was instead of talking it out. Technology is wonderful but it is taking away from family value & time that is also wonderful.
Kathy W. 96 in response to Stephanie M.96
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you regarding how technology has helped us keep in contact with people we otherwise would probably not see or hear from however the initial topic was concerning social devices being used at the dinner table and my stance is still the same, it should not be allowed.There was a time in our history that existed before cell phones,ipods and facebook.so I agree with grandma here....no phones allowed.
Diana C. 98 in response to Stephanie M. 98
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stephanie about cellphone use being awesome, it is so convenient for family emergencies. I think that when families sit together the number rule should be "turn off cellphones". It is rude when you are having dinner and someones phone ring, even more ruder when the person answers. Yes, don't get me started on teenagers and texts, and phones they are so into the technology!
Stephanie M. 96 (ONLINE) in response to Kathy W. 96
ReplyDeleteHaha, I think I did kind of spin off topic a little bit. It is hard not to deviate from the topic at hand when there are so many conditions and hypothetical situations that contribute to a situation. As for dinner table/cell phone use abroad, I think people tend to blur the line of what those conditions and excuses are, which directly related to what is acceptable and what isn't at the dinner table. That's what makes it so hard to judge sometimes!
Clint G. 97 (Online)
ReplyDeleteI believe that the generations of children have changed this. As technology became greater, and generations passed, some seen that the dinner place was an opportunity to not only spend time with family and friends, but to also chat with people who were not there or even do work from the table. Also, now that cell phones have texting, its another tool to use for socializing. Also, apart from technology, the younger generations also see certain times in the home are not as "sentimental" per say as they were in past years. So, with that being said, times have went from returning a call after dinner as to answering the phone while having dinner.
Clint G. 97 (Online) in response to Kathy W 96. I completely agree with your comment. It is practically the same response I had, I just kind of left out the part of families breaking off from each other. But yes, technology, I believe, is the main factor as to why things have changed.
ReplyDeleteMae D. 96
ReplyDeleteThe use of the cell/home phone being utilized during dinner time is not acceptable. Dinner time is a time set aside for family and friends to catch up. In restaurants, i feel that it is very rude and disrespectful to answer your cell and have a conversation while in the presence of others. todays society has forgotten or blind to the respect of others.
Mae D. 96, in response to Kathy W. 96
ReplyDeletei agree with kathy. family is so important and because of technology today, it consumes us. My daughter and i, because of our hectic schedules, try to have dinner and watch a movie/tv show together. that's our time and with no phones to interrupt.
I feel the social change , away from the traditional family has caused most people to change their views on the formality of family meals. In today's two career family's and childrens after school activities
ReplyDeletemany family's rarely sit down together to eat a formal meal.When these family's do sit down together they are much less formal than our grandparents.
M Howard 97
ReplyDeleteI believe this cultural change is because of a lack of respect that a lot of people growing up today has. Also, the world we live in is a technology centered one. Some people care more about their Ipods, cell phones, Blackberry's, and laptops than they do anything else. Also, a lot of older generations didn't grow up with cell phones at the table and honestly have an advantage because they didn't have to live with the inconvenience of trying to have a conversation with somebody and they're either texting or on the phone. I wish more families would put the phone away and sit down and eat in peace without the constant chirp of a cell phone going off.
Temi O 98: Aside from the lack or respect from the younger generation, even the older ones have fallen into the habit or checking their emails or having a conversation over the phone. At times they are forced to do this because of the nature of their jobs. This may apply to some young people as well. So we can't blame this all on lack or respect.
DeleteM Howard 97 in response to Sylvenna H.96
ReplyDeleteI wish more families were like yours. I think it's great that nowadays families do still turn off their phones and have a dinner together. It is so important to know what is going on with you family. I am happy to see some people do still appreciate family time together.
Agho N.E. A family that eat and share ideas together, remains together in thoughts words and actions. Removing mobile phones from tables during dinner is an established rule in my family and i am beginning to teach it to my kids so they can also pass it on. Some things most connect us as a family and table time is one of them.
ReplyDeleteJennB98 - I believe alot has to do with the change in family dynamics - two income families and single parent have to make the most out each oppertunity to communticate and alot of the time there is no formal dinner time. In my home we rarely eat as a family and have to embrace technology to keep communication flowing, I am a firm believer that it doesn't matter what outside distractions there are, if you make quality time for each other and have instilled the values you have in your children - your doing just fine:)
ReplyDeleteJenn B98 in response to M Howard 97
ReplyDeleteI hate to not agree with you but I don't believe you can blame technology on the lack of respect that some of today's youth has. It falls solely on the parents and how they teach, set an example and handle tech within the home. I embrace technology but I have taught my kids how to deal without it - we have tech free Sunday and gaming appointments. I haven't allowed them to be overly sheltered and I've taught them to be responsible, respectful young addult that screw up from time to time because their kids:)
Shana w. 01
ReplyDeleteI believe the time frame we live in and the way of life changed this. Sometimes the dinner table is the only time people have in their hectic schedule to answer or make a call, which to me is sad! For others it's just apart of the way the world is continually changing; this is a new day and age, nothing is like it used to be.I do believe we should be traditional and use dinner time as a way to connect with family and friends for the day, however that's not reality!
Shana W.01 in response to Jenn B. 98
ReplyDeleteI agree with you all the way, unfortunately society has made it a priority to constantly have some time of technology around, but i do believe it starts with the parents. If you make it an goal to set aside family time without the use of phones, ipads, or any other electronical device then your providing that much needed loving, and stress-free family time that it once used to be. We get so wrapped up in technology sometimes that we forget the real essence of life,love and family. So i definantly agree, and I wish my parent's would have been more assertive to do so! Then maybe we wouldn't be so distant.
Jewel A. 98
ReplyDeleteIn today’s culture you will find many non-traditional families. There are more single parents raising their children today. At times the parent may have to work late and is unable to even cook dinner for the family. Some parents actually have to work 24 hours in a day which means if the phone rings you must answer it no matter what. Another thing that is affecting today’s culture is the fact the many families have children who are involved in sports, which means that you will make a meal at the concession stand at the baseball field, or concession stand at the basketball game, or in the eye-room at the football field, or in the car on the ride home because it is late.
Jewel A. 98 in response to Jenn B 98
ReplyDeleteI know exactly where you are coming from. We hardly ever have a traditional sit down dinner at my home, because my children are very active in sports. I raise them to be very respectful, and that education is the most important thing. I want them to work smarter not harder. Being a sports mom you learn to be very flexible no matter what. So I tell anyone that I meet that have a problem with me and how my family does things…DON’T JUDGE ME, YOU DON’T KNOW MY STRUGGLES!!!
Christa H. 98 (Online)
ReplyDeleteI feel that since technology has advanced so much in the past years that it has become an addiction to some. Most people rely on their phones for pretty much everything now days and they need it with them no matter what. What these people do not see is that even though they are all in the same room sitting down with each other their not spending any REAL time with their families. Dinner is a great time to be able to sit and talk about things happening with the ones you love most and if you have your cellphone right there with you then you are not focused on the time spent with them. Society has shown people that their phones are crucial to their lives and as long as this continues to be portrayed it will stay this way unfortunately.
Christa H. 98 (Online) in response to Diana C. 98
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your thoughts on couples out to dinner. I feel it is wrong to even think about answering your phone during a quiet dinner with your significant other. I know unless it is urgent I never answer the phone during a romantic evening. People just don't know when the right time to do these things are and the right time is definitely not at dinner.
Shenique G.97
ReplyDeleteMy Grand mother still goes by those rules. When you are at any table weather it be out in public or in the house, no type of technology is to be used unless its a emergency. I believe that this alone is a good thing to practice. That way families will have time to bond and get to know each other better, because 9 times out of 10 if someone will use there phone during family time then they are most likely always on it as it is. I personally think its just a great way to bring families together.
Sylvenna H. 96 in response to M Howard 97
ReplyDeleteYou should try to get your family to turn off their phones at the dinner table. They might like the idea and find out more information on their family memebrs
Adrienne K. 97 Online, in response to Shenique G.97
ReplyDeleteI agree ! My grandmother also goes by these same rules. She lives in Daytona Beach and when my family goes and visits my grandparents, we know these rules and not to be on your phone texting at dinner time since that is a time for family and bonding . I personally go by this rule even when at home. It's hard for my little sister to go by this cause she feels like she always needs to be in contact with her friends 24/7, so when we are visiting my grandmother it's hard for her to leave her phone in the back room at dinner.
Jamie M.97 I can remember when we had six families on our party line. As you can imagine our phone calls were for the most part brief and to the point. When Miller's barn went up in flames, my cousin went to call the fire dept, (there was no 911 yet). When he picked up the phone Mrs. Warren was on the line - he told her about the fire, she hung up so the call could be made. To make a long story short, the neighbor hood men helped the fire-dept, while the women set up a table with coffee and sandwiches as it was an all nighter. I have a cell phone and find it to be a great convience if I am running late or simply to touch base. I have call waiting and voice mail, so I enjoy the choice of turning it off at meal time or when visiting with friends and family. For me it is both respectful and peacefull. We have raised our daughter with these values; however, if I am out and some one else choses to use their's that is their business. I do not get offended and out spoken. I mind my own business and think about something joyful!
ReplyDeleteJamie M.97 in response to Sylvenna H.96 I also agree that technology is great! While remembering there is a time and place for everything. I remember when I was a teenager I wanted to be with my friends for pretty much most of the time, and find it is true with teenagers today and that is normal for this age.I believe that as an adult, it is my responsibility and pleasure to keep myself in the loop with interesting ideas, jokes, and conversations making mealtime an enjoyable experience for everyone.
ReplyDeleteCourtney DeBord 96
ReplyDeleteMy family has always stuck to the rule of not having phones while eating a meal at the table. My brothers and I did not recieve cell phones till we were old enough to drive. Our family always had so many things to do so when we got to sit together at a table we were to enjoy each others company. Technology is an ever changing field and personally if we change with it then I believe the closeness of family would be lost. Its sad because you are surrounded by people who matter to you most of the day but we are always on our phone texting someone else.
Courtney DeBord 96(online)
ReplyDeleteIn response to Christa H.
I agree with what you are saying about society making phones crucial to each person. So many people are so tied to their phones that they miss out on what is happening around them. I also agree that dinner is a great time to sit down and talk to your family and share each others day and be close.
I have to agree that using the cell phone at the table is quite rude. I think family time in this generation is very important and no one should interrup that time. My husband even makes sure that the tv is off. It has brought us to pay more attention to each other and actually have time to talk about our days at work with each other. It also gives us the time to teach our three year old table manners. It would be very hard to teach a three year old table manners if I was on the phone the whole time or even watching tv. I believe many familys get too into all the social networking sites and cell phone use and do not realize the effect it has on them.
ReplyDeleteAmber F. 97
ReplyDeleteThis particular cultural account is due to various social changes and innate human behavior. We are constantly immersed into a fast paced society, which requires more of our attention each day. Working individuals take their work home, this limits the time they have to spend with family or friends. Dinner is usually a time to relax and socialize. However, may often be interrupted because of the constant demand placed on individuals. We also live in a technology forward world. Facebook, Twitter, and iPhone are a few social advances that many people have become accustom to using. Without these social advances a great number of people would feel deprived. Unfortunately, we do not know how to unplug technology and take a break from the rigor of society.
Jaime H. 96
ReplyDeleteOur culture as a whole has changed tremendously over the past few decades. We have so many new technological devices that keep us informed and occupied. These advances have had both a positive and negative effect on our lifestyles. We as a society have lost personal face-to-face interactions within our everyday lives. it seems that we can not, even for the time it takes to eat a meal together, put down the electronics and have meaningful conversations.
Jaime H. 96
ReplyDeleteOur culture as a whole has changed tremendously over the past few decades. We have so many new technological devices that keep us informed and occupied. These advances have had both a positive and negative effect on our lifestyles. We as a society have lost personal face-to-face interactions within our everyday lives. it seems that we can not, even for the time it takes to eat a meal together, put down the electronics and have meaningful conversations.
Amber F. 97
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sylvenna H. 96
I definitely believe that we have disconnected ourselves from family members. New and better pieces of technology are created every year. I agree that some families have lost communication imperative for a family bond.
Lovely A. ONLINE in our culture today everything is technology. we use it so much that we have forgotten how to even carry on a conversation without using text language terms or slang. no cell phone at the dinner table in my home is a must being that we do not see each other day and we need to have face to face interaction and be able to carry on a conversation and not be interrupted with a text or phone call.
ReplyDeleteLovely A. Online i n response to Agho NE,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about the family remaining a family. because if you arent involved in your childrens lives,their daily activities, or them even asking how your day was or your spouse. there is no connection but just walking zombies responding to no communication or anything. dinner is the best bonding time to relax and be around the ones that love you and enjoy it because some people do not have a family and should be grateful to have one and 30 minutes will not hurt to not be on the phone to text or call thats what voicemail is for.
Gladys,M-98
ReplyDeleteDining with someone on the phone is the last thing I would ever want to do.Our current generation has been carried away by technology and abandoned the ethics.However,if one has to respond to an important message or call;it is always corteous to excuse oneself.
Gladys M-98 In response to Lovely A.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that there is a time for everything;dinner time is dinner time.Our social life should not only be composed of technolody but also with face to face conversations.This will help us to bring up a better generation that will value time spent with friends and families.
The change in our culture as it relates to cell phones has become astounding. As a child, my parents trained us to ignore any and all distractions when it came to family meal time. Friends and family were told quite directly not to call during those times, especially dinner. Society has changed so much that I find myself taking cell phones out of my teenagers hands when they try to text during what I consider a very important time in a household. It has become routine and part of our culture that we as Americans have become so busy that to stay current we are so quick to communicate to others via cell phones and ignore the live people before us whom we love and hopefully would rather spend our time with. Cell phones during meal time has to end or there will be no intimate moments for families to share and learn about what is going on in our lives and our children's lives. Cell phones are great but family is more important. A lot of the issues in the world today as it relates to our youth are because families are not spending quality time together. Society has made our lives so busy that we are forgetting what is important and I believe its necessary to at least spend that 30-45 minutes a day daily with those special people in our own home to reconnect. Once we do that, feel free to call/text and enjoy all the features and wonders of the cell phone technology just don't forget to first reconnect with those right under your roof because they are even closer than a click away.
ReplyDeleteThe above comment is for Stephanie M:98 (Online) from Catina K. 05
ReplyDeleteFateemah W. 98
ReplyDeletethe shift comes from our short attention spans. which come from or microwave society... thanks technology.
Fateemah W. 98
ReplyDeleteSo, I have a real life example of my depleating attention span ( brought on by our technological advances), Yes you guessed it! My previous post! I skimmed through the " posting guidelines" and posted a quick sentence as if on FaceBook. Also, I must say that the lack of spell check here is annoying. My point is, if at 33 I have fallen victim to microwave society practices , can you imagain what the 15 year olds are going through. Information overload! The idea that you( dare I say WE) can be reached at any given second of the day( even durring family dinner) as if we are that important , would have been unthinkable fifty years ago.
Fateemah W. 98 responding to Catina Knight
ReplyDeleteYour comment is spot on! Allow me to give another view though. What if this new generation if just that much better at multitasking?
Is it the cell phones that have changed us or how we view the importance of mealtimes? Not only can we reach or be reached at a click of a button...the way we get our food is about at the same speed...fast...fast food...microwaved food...food out of a bag or a box...EVERYTHING about eating has changed and all is for immediate gratification. Because we do not wait for that meal...we don't anticipate how good it will taste and wait with expectation for it to be complete...we just shove it in our mouths while either on the run...in the car...standing up, in front of the TV or while texting or talking on the phone...I think the idea of a family sitting down together for a meal has been a practice that has been deteriorating for a long time...the cell phone is just an added insult in recent times. It is very sad to see...and even sadder when you see that it is not just the younger generation that is caught up in this but many a 50 some year old has been seen talking or texting at the table therefore setting the example to those around...
ReplyDeleteAgho N.E 88 (Online)
ReplyDeleteIn response to Lovely A. (ONLINE), like you said in your blog technology has become part of our everyday life but we should give a little time for our familes and respect the short time we share at dinner time.
Agho N.E. A family that eat and share ideas together, remains together in thoughts words and actions. Removing mobile phones from tables during dinner is an established rule in my family and i am beginning to teach it to my kids so they can also pass it on. Some things most connect us as a family and table time is one of them.
ReplyDeleteCandiss R.98 I would have to say technology. Now a days people are so wrapped up in using their cell phones. From email, to texting, paying bills, and social networks. Technology accounts for this cultural change.
ReplyDeleteCandiss R. 98 in reply to Jaime H. 96 I totally agree with you totally. Its so hard to get face to face interaction anymore. Sad to say but true even at Thanksgiving with my family its not not just cell phones its Ipads that has everyones attention.
ReplyDeleteRainey S. 98
ReplyDeleteSince childhood, I was taught that answering the telephone phone during dinner was impolite. We didn’t have cells phones or mobile gaming devices when I grew up. It seems to me that with the technology we have today, talking and texting during meals have become the norm for many people. Have you noticed while eating out at a restaurant how many people are on the phone either talking, texting or playing games? I feel that this change has been caused by an increasing acceptance of ringing phones and people chatting and texting everywhere they go without regard to their surroundings. For the public in general cell phones are now viewed as a necessity and usage has become a part of everyday life. Additionally, I think that because most kids today have a phone they are accustomed to using it constantly which is what caused a gradual increase of acceptance over time.
Call me old fashioned but I feel that it is rude to talk on the phone during meals either at home or in public. We have a rule that dinner time is “family time” and we don’t answer the phone. With that being said, there are extenuating circumstances on occasion. For example, my husband is on call for work and must answer his phone if it rings, which is a rare occurrence. Additionally, if we are expecting company and they happen to call or text we will answer. We try to keep “family time” interruptions to a minimum because if we allowed our children to talk and text at the dinner table we would not have quality time with one another each night which I believe is important to keeping a family close.
Devin K. 98(in response to Rainey S. 98
DeleteI totally agree with you.I have observed a couple eating dinner at a restaurant who hardly ever said a word to each other. They were to busy playing on the cell phones. Although I am guilty of it, I do agree that is is rude to talk on your phone while having a meal with someone or family.
Family is the most important thing in my life, so I am glad that we still haven't conformed to technology on this aspect. Whenever I go to my parents’ house to have dinner, we don't even think about the phone while at the table. There is more important things that can be discussed, while being face-to-face. Technology and society today is why families are turning to their cell phones and not interacting as much.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Lovely A. ONLINE comment. I completely agree with you, everyone is using slang or just letter (i.e. OMG).
ReplyDeleteRainey S. 98
ReplyDeleteResponse to Sylvenna H. 96
I agree with you that materialistic things are a distraction and come between family members resulting from the constant use of cell phones and handheld gaming devices. We also have the rule that no cell phones are allowed at the table. The consequence for my kids if they choose to break the rule is that I take their phone for the rest of the evening. I also feel that family time is extremely important in order to keep a close bond and relationship. I feel that it is unfortunate that many families today are missing out on family time by choosing technology instead.
Aaron
ReplyDeleteI believe that the change occurred as the role of phones has changed. A phone today is no longer a phone, you can send quick little sentences and phrases in texts, take and share videos and pictures, browse the internet, and more. With all these pathways of interaction opened up, it leaves people vulnerable to being pulled away from the person they are literally with, to someone who is trying to claim their attentions digitally.
Peter A. 92
ReplyDeleteGenerations have passed as well as the many (cultural) traditions which shaped America. The idea of sitting at the dinner table with family and friends has faded. Our generation seems to be constantly entertained, amused, and catered to. There are many favorable attractions, jaw-dropping media, and enjoyable experiences to be made. Therefore, it is easy to forget the importance of time spent at the dinner table. However, there are still many families that value time at the dinner table; as a result, they grow stronger among a constantly changing society.
Peter A. 92 Online
ReplyDeleteResponse to Angela R. 89
I agree with your response, and I can relate. My parents are very conservative, so they value the time spent at the dinner table. They believe in the importance of the dinner table. As a child most of the advice I recieved was at the dinner table; as a result, I can now make mature decisions on my own. They knew that the best way to pass on essential information was at the dinner table.
Merry B, 97
ReplyDeleteI feel that we all choose to be overwhelmed with life. Today's technology is not needed to survive, however it is very convenient. I think we are pressured to live in a society where everyone is the same. As for phones at the dinner table, i find it comparable to the way people function today and how little we communicate with the people we see daily roaming the house. We were made to be social and to live among each other in peace but when you have constant nagging of parents but no real communication. I think it can lead to eating at the dinner table, while talking to someone miles away instead of spending dinner time with family.
Amario J, Online
DeleteIn response to Merry B,97
I believe that the evolution of technology comes with a bitter sweet outcome for some people. I agree that we can definitely live without cell phones and a lot of other things that hinder us from communicating with the people that surround us. If i have something to tell someone but i did not have the time to call i can just send then a text message. If i go on vacation and i want to send picture to my family i can do that. I can even make reservations from my phone without speaking to someone. Its sad to say that people dont really take the time to bond over a conversation the way they probably did sixty plus years ago.
Morgan P. 96 Online
ReplyDeleteGrowing up my family never had a sit down dinner so the "no calls during dinner" rule never exactly applied. On the other hand, nothing annoys me more when I am have lunch/dinner with friend/family and they're glued to their phone the ENTIRE time. I believe cell phones are wonderful, they have saved my numerous times. Yet, when it comes to personal time put your phone away or keep it in your lap. Dont be glued to it.
I agree, it annoys me when i am sitting with someone and they have a phone texting/tweeting, sad thing is that person is always me. Cell phones have advanced into something more, it no longer just makes call or allows you to text. There are many apps on my phone, and in the app world.(Thanks Steve Jobs).
DeleteMorgan P.Online In response to Christa H. 98 (Online)
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with you on the society has now become completely addicted to their cell phones. It's so much more than just your telephone. People are now e-mailing, face timing, facebooking all over their cell phones. Dinner time should be a cell phone free zone. Just so during one portion of your day the people you're eating with are the only people who matter and to just get away.
Jamesatta M.02
ReplyDeleteThe advancement of technology have affected our culture value extensively. Today, individual have direct access to each other I.E, personal e-mail,work related-email, facebook, sport update, tweeter, businesses deal, text message and other account that are directly transferable to once mobile phone. These advancement in technology create a convenient for one to have access to their phone at all time even at the dinner table.
Due to the advancement of technology family have lost their culture values. fifteen years ago family sat around the dinner table discussing family matter, asking each other how their day went.now, that discussion has been interrupted with phone calls, e-mail update, texmessages, business deal,etc. Due to this phenomenon change, Individual feel the urgencies to respond to these above mention even at the dinner table.
Carolyn W
ReplyDeleteWe have become dependent or addicted to our cell phone. To some people its almost like a part of your body, like its glued to their hand. I can say I am dependent on my cell from time to time, but I also work for an answering service, so I'm at a computer talking to people for 8 plus hours a day the last thing I want to do when I get home is talk on the phone. My mom would go nuts if my siblings or I answered phone calls or text while we were having dinner. That's time for us to just be together since we are all grown and have different things going on. I think more parents should enforce the no cell phones during family time, not only for their children, but for themselves as well and I'm sure they would be pretty shocked at what interest their child/children at the time.
Jamesatta M 02 In response to Morgan P.96
ReplyDeleteFamilies are the most important people in our lives. I did not have much of a family to begin with. First thing in the morning, my mother and father would leave early in the morning for work and will return late at night from a hard day of work. Therefore, I was alone with my aunty who would make breakfast, lunch and dinner. I ate a lot of TV dinner. Even now, I still do not sit at the dinner table to eat with my family. In my mind as it relate to my family, and I noting have change due to technology.
Jaime H 96 in response to Carolyn W
ReplyDeleteI am totally agree and also try to enforce the no cell phone/ipod during family time. But sometimes I look like the bad guy because the kids do not understand and the last thing they want to do is have "family time". Hopefully one day they will appreciate it!
Oliverio V. 92
ReplyDeleteThe number one reason for this change in my opinion is because back in the day there was no such thing as a "cell phone". So when our grandparents ate at the table all they had was each other to entertain each other. Now days with the advancement in technology we have smart phones where everyone can access anything they want for example unlimited access to facebook, twitter, and text messaging other friends. We grew up with all this good technology which it isn't bad but their is a limit on how and when to use it. especially when spending time with friends and family which is the most important thing.
Queena.G.96
DeleteI truly agree with you that because of the new technology we got that's why there is such a big change. But as you mentioned when spending time with family and friends there should be a limit and letting your family and friends know that they are important then taking a phone call or sending messages while with them really does show them that you care.
Queena.G.96
ReplyDeleteIn today's culture society has changed. It is not the same as it was some years ago when there were the traditional family's that had family dinners and there were no interruptions. As of today a lot has change with the way family's are today. In some homes they don't really care about answering phone calls at dinner, or sending texts messages at the dinner table, but in the more traditional homes there is more respect for the family and not answering your phone and sending texts because of the family values they share. There is a lot of technology today that people use. I personally think its rude to answer your phone while having dinner with your family and friends. If it really is an important call than you should at least excuse yourself from the table or restaurant which ever it is and take the call.
Amario.J.97
ReplyDeleteSociety has simply changed. Technology has evolved since my grandmothers time. I believe that if terrorist decided to plan a attack on our phone towers more then half of the United States population would be locked away in some kind of insane asylum within twenty-four hours. Having a cell phones makes our lives easier therefore, although we could live without them we become attached to them. In the old days i believe that sitting down to eat a meal health to keep families together and strong by forcing them to interact with one another. This is a perfect example of why there were no phones aloud. Plus the fact that cell phones were probably the size of a car or non existing around that time. Today however, we have found a way to make cell phones smaller then the palm of you hand and have millions of applications that make every day life simpler. Technology runs the world we live in and we're plugged into an outlet.
I have two young children and I do not believe that it is responsible as a parent to use the phone at the table. One of my children is two years old and the other is one. The fact of the matter is they watch every move you make and will pick up every habit you would rather they didn't. So as fare as it goes for phones at my table it is not going to happen. if it is one thing that has served me well in my parenting style it is lead by example. So in most cases the parents are the ones who start using the phone at the table and the kids seeing this follow suit. As a whole I think that phones and other devises have taken allot of the true home life from the home and between media sensationalizing real life drama most teenagers and young adults think that face book on a smart phone is how you become close to a best friend. Because it allows you to follow someones life as if it were a reality tv show. where as the few close friends that I have are close to me because of the experiences both good and bad that we have had together in real life not behind a screen. In the end it depends on how you were raised and what you think is an acceptable manner to conduct your home life in.
ReplyDeleteStacey F. 96
DeleteI could not agree with this more! The younger generation are at times to caught up with technology and I believe it is the parents responsibility to make a good example so that your child becomes a successful, family driven individual.
Jodie Wallace SOCI1101-Introduction to Sociology (40896)posted the Jan 11 7:17 post
ReplyDeleteTroy h. 98
ReplyDeleteI'm going to do this a little backwards. I'm a short term Mission in Ghana West Africa where the family value is quite the same as it was here in the 1940's and 50's. They have a vaule system that really almost defines family. They eat almost every meal as a family with no enterruptions or PHONES, let me tell you, they love their cell phones. I think in America and it's Technology has really scewed our sense of perception. Parents are working longer and harder and passify their children with whatever they need to fill the gap or the roll of a parent. America is always been a "look at what I have country." Do no misread what I'm saying, I love my country but, I feel It is time to take back our family time and actually have one quality meal together. It builds a stronger family unit. More isn't always better...
Akia.G.97
ReplyDeleteI agree that our society has changed for the worst when it comes to us being able to have acceess to cellphones and all its dependent at innapropiate times. nine times out of ten you when you are with your loved ones ,whether that may be your family or friends out of courtesy you should avoid your phone so they can feel respected and worth your time.
Akia G. 97
ReplyDeleteResponce to Peter A. 92
I agree 100 percent being that my family and i have been like that since i can remember. There is so much knowledge that i can honestly say i learned at the dinner table alone. I feel bad for the children who dont realize the effects of using their phone and the applications on it during dinner time or any other important occastion. There is so much more that could be gained in them as a person.
Stacey F. 96
ReplyDeleteThe technology today is remarkable, but there are more important things in life like family. There are things that cannot be found or learned through the internet or the latest app only by life experience can certain characteristics be attained. I remember that it used to drive me bonkers when my father would spend dinner responding to business related emails and making phone calls at the table. That is why it is a mandatory rule that cell phones and all other electronics are not allowed at the dinner table in my household as well. Before cell phones there were pagers and you would have to memorize your friends and families phone numbers. Now the cell phone makes it to easy, so when something happens to it, people become frantic as if they are out of touch and this reliance on a device can sometimes be unhealthy.
maureeng 62
ReplyDeletePesponce to Akia G. 97
I was raised in a strict home , with formal dinner every night ,assigned seats , and very strict table manners. The phone was never answered . With my own family I relaxed the table rules , but still had a no electronics policy . I learned so much about my family and our culture as a child from the dinner table I wanted the same for my children.
Anna M. 42
ReplyDeleteSociety has simply changed; people have become more and more dependant on cell phones and other electronic devices. I believe it may have started with something as simple as leaving on the TV during dinner, instead of having conversation the attention was placed on something else. Showing that something like that was acceptable simply made it escalate into more as the years go by. Now, if someone uses a cell phone during dinner it is completely normal. It is very rare for a family to sit down every night and have a nice dinner with no electronics and simply have a good conversation. It is unfortunate that things have changed; there are many precious memories with your family that could be made at the dinner table if people would let them.
Micah S 96
DeleteI absolutely agree with you. It makes since that it happened progressively. I've been over to other people's homes and saw them watching t.v. while having dinner and I didn't know what to think. It has never been accepted at my family home and never will. I also agree that there are many memories made at the table with your family so every opportunity should be taken advantage of.
Anna M. 42
ReplyDeleteIn response to Stacey F. 96
I completely agree, people have become entirely too dependant on their cell phones and other electronic devices. I also agree it is unhealthy for a person to be on the phone 24/7. I know that i have learned many things from conversations at the dinner table that I would never be able to learn from the internet.
Micah S. 96
ReplyDeleteAt my family's home it is still 'illegal' to use the phone while at a meal. I come from a very southern family and it is still viewed as disrespect when someone takes a call during a meal. I'm not sure why it is viewed more acceptable in today's time than years ago. I think that people have become so dependent upon technology, expecially phones, that it is just normal now to use it whenever.
Misty H.92
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up, TV and telephone duirng meal times were a HUGE no-no!! There were many times I would seriously hate this aspect of life, but now, I really miss it. Back then our family would eat dinner together as a fmaily and there were no outside interruptions at all. It was us, food and what happened that day.
Now days, it seems like there are always other things that we think we need to be paying more attention to or that or more important - something that I am VERY guilty of! I can't remember the last time the TV has been off and all phones no where in reach at a meal.
Advances in technology has definitely atributed to this (anyone remember the bricks that cell phones started out as??? LOL) but so has the shift in the way the family unit functions as a whole. In most instances it seems as if the value of family time - which a meal truly is - has been "lost". I am not even going to try to figure out the how/why/when aspect,but I do think that as more families require two (or more) incomes to sustain it, one of the first sacrifices made is family time because we take for granted that the family will always be there and the "need" is only temporary and we will make up for it. Until we realize that family is more important, I don't thinkt this trend will change/diminish.
Nicola F. 97
ReplyDeleteOur culture today has become one of instant gradification due to the advances in technology. With e-mails,texts, and cell phones, we have become so dependant on the ability to communicate and connect with anybody at anytime. With todays schedules, we don't set time aside like our parents did in the past. The changes in technology has become a learn behaviour.
Molly k. 98
DeleteI completely agree! We don't set time aside like they use to. Everyone is so worried about who updates their facebook status and what celebrity wore what the night that we forget how precious and limited our time is with our loved one it's a sad truth.
Nicola F.97 (online) in response to Jewel A.98
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your thoughts and I will steal your line of "dont judge me, you dont know my struggles!" Every house hold is different, one set of standards my not work for all households. Take mine for instance; I'm from England, and appricate the use of modern technology such as e-mails to maintain communication with family back home, as well as juggling my school and 3 kids sports schedules. We find time to bond and communicate whether it be at the dinner table or at the concession stand.
Brian C. 92
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that interrupting a meal that was meant to spent with the ones that you may be with would be inconsiderate and disrespectful, not only that but I always felt that calling during dinner time was inappropriate. Although, these days information travels at the speed of a text message to interrupt any situation. The best part about the cell phones these days is they still allow you to reply at a more convenient time.
Fese E. 02
ReplyDeleteTechnology has come a long way, somuch that people don't take the time to call loved ones, all you have to do is send a text message to check on them. Coming from an African background, cell phones and any other electronics are not allowed during family time, simply because this time is meant to catch up on everyone's life and discuss any issues; therefor, we are all informed on things that need to be tended to. I believe that we continue to let technology ifluence how we should really communicate sometimes especially with loved ones, we would lose the true meaning of what family is and miss out on things that mean the most.
Meredith P. 98
ReplyDeleteI think the social acceptance for having phones on the table is due to the changing view of families and the relationships within the family. I feel like even if there were cell phones in the 1960’s they would not be used because people would cherish their time with family. People are now always on the run and hurry; people don’t take the time to relax and enjoy time with one another. I personally don’t remember the last time my family sat down and had a meal together without any distractions. We are always on the go and live separate lives as individuals instead of a unit. I think overall, advances in technology have led to the values of family and a personally relationship people within the family to be discarded. Now relationships are based what seems to be convenient, through technology.
Fese E. 02 in response to Troy h. 98
ReplyDeleteI totally admire the African culture. Being African myself, we still practice these values although we live in the States. Whenever we are together as a family, everyone knows to put their cell phones on vibrate, or sometimes leave them in the bedroom so we are not distracted by any calls or texts. Family time is very important and I believe that parents should enforce not having phones around when spending quality time and children should learn to separate from technology at every opportunity because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Meredith P. 98 in response to Diana 98
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Technology advances have done some wonderful things but, in some ways it seems like it may have done more harm. I think many people have not found the balance between technology communication and personally connection. Like the couple on a romantic date, a good balance would check the phone before dinner then turn it off to spend one on one time with each other. Technology has changed the definition of relationships.
Stephanie L. 96
ReplyDeleteI believe that technology has evolved into almost an obsession. People are less likely to converse face to face when it is so much easier to just type a few words in a text or shoot someone an email and be done with it. This, in turn, has caused people to lessen the value of human interaction, like sitting down to the dinner table with family. With smartphones, the internet is right at our fingertips at all times. People have become accustomed to having whatever information they want right now, which, I think, is why people now view it as acceptable to using their phone whenever and wherever they please.
Stephanie L. 96 in response to Jodie W. 96
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it is the responsibility of the parents to lead by example. So many parents live by the "do as I say not as I do" motto, that their children grow up with an emphasis on doing what is easiest for them at a particular moment rather than to do what is right.
Molly k. 98
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever seen that commercial where the father is walking throughout the house and sees everyone glued to either their laptop, playstation or television he decides to turn the power braker off in the house and everyone gathers around the table on the porch and they all eat outside as a family? Well as sad as that picture maybe I believe that is how most households are today. My family and I always make a point to leave the cell phones upstairs or in another room so that way even though we have crazy time lines we at least have the 30 to 34 minutes of pure family time. It's so important to have the time with each and I think thats more and more the reason people get divorce they stopped communicating with those on a personal level
Reply to JennB98 from Troyh 98
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the whole family dynamics issue. There are alot more single families out there today trying to communicate with their children. It is a great point to be up.
JamesW99
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that this issue bring foward many concerns in my mind, that society as a whole will never be quite as it used to be. I know many peoples' families do not allow phones at the table, if they are even at the dinner table. Many families do allow it though. Each person hunched over reading news article and twitter and facebook posts. None of this is "bad", but what is bad is what it's stealing from our lives that we ay never get back. From what I have seen, people are loosing their personalities, patience, respect or just the simple ability to look someone in the eyes when u speak to them. I'm just stating that I think society is loosing the depth we once had in relationships with others, as well as our own selves.
CindyH47 in response to JamesW99
DeleteIsn't it funny how we get so set in our shorthanded texting or facebook spellings that when we have to write in a formal setting it seems hard? I just noticed that today while having to answer essay questions. I kept wanting to write shorthand!
JamesW99
ReplyDeleteI feel like a victim of my own vices, I could have benefited from spell check and not spelling "you" with a "u". I guess its just proof that our social lives do have an impact on our proffesional lives... "yikes!"
JamesW99 in response to M Howard97
ReplyDeleteIt's not completely up to the family life, in my opinion. I, personally, know many families that don't allow phones to be used, at all, while in any family atmosphere. I think, at this point in time, it is going to be up to each individual. How their life will be affected by all of these distractions. I don't know if things are going to get better. They may, each generation has always brought forth amazing new changes. Then again, maybe society has seen it's brightest days. Who knows?...
AlejandroA96(Online)
ReplyDeleteI believe the cultural change has come because of the breakdown of family values as they were in the past. I have noticed through my family and friends that families don't sit down and have family dinners as they used to and when they do everyone has their phone right next to them. It has become more socially acceptable to use your phone regardless of where you are including the dinner table. The cultural change comes from peoples dependance on cell phones in todays world.
AlejandroA96(Online) in response to Anna M. 42
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Society has slowly transitioned into allowing little things at a time such as TV's as you mentioned take our focus away from a dinner. It has been a gradual transition throughout time but has become very noticeable in todays world.
AllieS98
ReplyDeleteI agree! I believe that technology has taken over the meaning of social interaction. My mom always reminds me that she never had these luxuries when she was a child. I also see both side of this argument, the pros and cons. It is a great way to keep in touch with distant relative or friends you have lost touch with. Although I believe technology has been taken to a whole new level. It is rude to have and kind of device out, when it is not needed. For example, the dinner table, family events, or even in class. I enjoy the actual face-to-face interaction. Plus, it’s easier to speak a sentence than to type out a whole conversation.
AntonioC.96
DeleteYou ever notice someone from the old generation most likely can typically keep up a better or more interesting conversation than a younger person when your face-to-face. It speaks volumes i think. But it can be a good thing like you said. Keeping in touch with long lost friends or relatives.
AntonioC.96
ReplyDeleteTechnology has a big thing to do with it since most of us actually have a hard time putting down the cell phone, laptop, or TV. We have so many distractions around us that we forget or lose contact with our surroundings. If you have parents who are baby boomers, look at their childhood. Now If you were born in the 80s or sooner, look how you grew up. Do you see a difference? Even your grandparents childhood was different from your parents. Less distractions= more heavyhearted vales.
AllieS98 in response to StephanieL96
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with technology becoming an obsession. Take away all technology, and it is practically impossible to survive our society. Anything and everything we do revolve around today’s technology. People get so consumed with these material items, they forget how important it is to just stop and get a reality check.
SummerC98
ReplyDeleteI believe that since we have made technology so readily available many people are less personable. Don't get me wrong it has made everyday life situations so much easier. However, it has allowed for us to become a little spoiled and set in our ways over the way that we communicate with one another. It is my opinion that when in the present of an individual or group you should always give them your undivided attention,unless something urgent needs your immediate attention. Family,friends, employers,teachers, and just most people in general find it respectful to be attentive when coversating in person or coming together for a speacial event.
BrandonM93
ReplyDeleteTimes as of now the way families are raised are much different than before. People have to understand that the world changes and things that use to be done a certain way will change as well. Not saying that it's right because weither or not the cell phones should remain at the table is determined by there family values. Technology has alot do with why you may see phones on the table more often.
BrandonM93 in response to Shanaw01
ReplyDeleteI agree that times today have changed alot than from many years beofre. That is very true that sometimes the only down time people get is at the dinner table because there day is really busy. Many others need it to communicate at all times of the day
Deana Lasseter
ReplyDeleteGrowing up we didnt have cell phones, it was still the cordless phone or phone on the wall, which many families now dont even use or have. While at dinner we would ignore the phone if it rang, bc it was inappropriate and rude, it was the same as interrupting someone while they were speaking. Today I think the change of it totally depends on the enviornment that you are in. I still do not even bring my cell phone with me to the table. It is left in the other room or in the car if I am out. If children do it in todays present society. "monkey see monkey do" i blame it on the parents.
CindyH47
ReplyDeleteWith people nowadays always being on the go, having tons of appointments, emails, etc we seem to be very dependent on our phones to keep up with it all. I actually just saw someone post on facebook about a game to keep people off their phones when you go out to dinner. First person that touches their phone picks up the entire check!
Sierra M.96
ReplyDeleteI believe its technology. Generations to come are becoming more and more reliant on technology. Exceptions are being made because things that are available now were not readily available in the older days. I must say that I am one of the many that brings their cell phone to the table. My mother still does not allow it in her house though.
Assel O.96
DeleteYes, technology is an enabling component, but it's the underlying lack of respect for others that seems to be at the root.
/Latreecia M. 96/Sierra M. 96 in response to Cindy H 47 I agree with you. Even work involves some "after business hours" attention which requires you to use your cell phone or have it around.
ReplyDeleteAssel O. 96
ReplyDeleteI just had lunch with a friend at a restaurant nearby. I was excited to see her, hoping to have a nice conversation; I had a lot of things to tell. During the lunch half of the time she was making phone calls for work, then started scrolling down through her text messages, and while I understand that work is important for all of us, I was still a little disappointed.
In my opinion, during meals, family meetings, etc... people should pay full attention to one another and participate in the social event which is good etiquette. The way people behave says a lot about their attitude to others.
The major cause of this cultural change is of course advanced technology which evolves and becomes faster and more accessible day by day. No less significant is the lack of etiquette. “Life be not so short but that there is always time for courtesy.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Deidre A. 97
ReplyDeleteI believe people think it's ok to use their phones at the table is the breakdown of family. Not many families come together to eat at the dinner table anymore. Family talks and trading information about each other does not happen. I still insist on family dinners and no electronic devices are allowed at the table.
Bjorn S. 67 In response to Deidre A. 97
DeleteI agree with all that you say and apply the same rules to my family. I think that we are becoming so dependant on technology and friends status that they lose sight of how little time we actualy get to spend with our family.
Joseph C. 96
ReplyDeleteThis is such a true fact. I know that when i go to my grandmothers house she still is a stickler about the family eating together and spending the time together. I think that this is changing because technology is changing as well. This are becoming more a part of our daily lives and we feel as if it is a part of us so to speak. People this day in age need to step back and remember what the true meaning of family is.
Joseph C 96 in response to CindyH47
ReplyDeleteI love that idea. I think that people do need to become closer to family and friend than their phones and ipads. Technology is becoming to advanced.
Assel O.96
ReplyDeleteI think it is intersting that everyone here seems to agree this is a common problem, but no one here seems to be guilty. :-/
Amber Sutton
DeleteI agree with your comment. I am the first person to say that I do talk on the phone while im at dinner.I try not to but everyone has done it a couple of times..
"Multiple phones (are) at the ready" at meal tables in homes and at restaurants because they are always at the ready. While cell phones were once considered to be a luxury, or even a status-symbol, they are now essentially required by society. This is particularly evident with the rise of smartphones; one can do just about anything from an iPhone or Android device. Personally, I believe that the transition from luxury to necessity has been less gradual than most would have it to be. In just a handful of years, nearly everyone in the western (and eastern!) world have adopted their phones as new a "appendage."
ReplyDeleteKobra Z.96
ReplyDeleteI support the traditional family behavior that allows strong relationship and respect among the family. During pass several years technology became important element that influence people's life toward to industrialization. I believe interdependence should not be isolated but should extend over time among the family.
Bjorn S. 67
ReplyDeleteI would say that as a nation most people don't sit down at the dinner table with there family. It seems that the common variable is that there is always some kind of distraction whether it be the television, or the phone. People are so dependent on there cell phones and there facebook status that they are not taking the time to communicate with there loved ones. I have to go through this with my seven year old I ask him what he learned and he would reply "I don't know." I ended up turning it into a game to get him to reflect on what he learned he has to tell me two things he learned and one lie. I have to figure out what the truth is. My point is that we have so many distractions and not enough moral discipline now.
Tanya G. 98
ReplyDeleteAs a child I can remember my father getting angry and sometimes even yelling at my friends if they dared to call our home during dinner time. Dinner was a time for family. It was a time for us to discuss the events of our day and the ongoings of daily life in the world around us. As a single mother, of two teenage children, I try to instill those same family values. I believe keeping the family unit bonded is very important in today's busy world of technological advances and our own day to day busy lives. It's difficult so I demand that when we do have that quality time, whether it's in the car driving or out to dinner that the phones be put aside. However, I make it point not to yell at their friends for calling. Those handy cell phones have a lovely ignore button!
Tanya G 98(ONLINE)In response to Gladys M 98
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that being out to dinner with anyone while they are on the phone is not pleasant. I find it rude and incredibly disrespectful. My friends know that if we are going to lunch or dinner that I put my cell phone away and I expect the same from them because this is their time. The only exception to this rule for any of us is if there is an emergency call from one of our children. In which case, we excuse ourselves from the table to take the call.
Sarah B. 96 Online
ReplyDeleteSociety has changed to the point of instant gratification. Now, because of how the world runs on communication, people must be accessable at all times and at the blink of an eye.
David E. 98
DeleteI agree with your comment because it is almost a necessity to have a cell phone 24/7 this day and time. If one doesn’t have his/her cell phone on them then they feel “naked.” Most homes now days will not even have a line-line telephone. Some people will go their whole life with their cell phone literally by their side.
Sarah B. 96 Online in response to Assel O.96
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is guilty of having/ answering their phones while at dinner with family/ friends unless they don't have a cell phone. Which now a days is "strange."
DAVID E. 98
ReplyDeleteOur society as a whole is always on the go. We live very complex and busy lifestyles. In the past one would have to leave work in the office on a desk and now through technology and smart phones we are able to do all of our work on the go. Children are raised seeing their parents and others completing work and various tasks from their smart phones while at the dinner table. This is a learned behavior from their parents and others so children in return will use their phone for social networking. This behavior has been observed so often that is has become socially acceptable.
SabrenaP10
ReplyDeleteI remember as a child the family sitting down at the dinner table together. This was considered a special time for sharing. It was unacceptable to answer the phone during meals. In my home, this rule still applies. As the mother of five children, you can imagine what it would be like if everyone was allowed their cell phones at the table. Our meal times are considered our most important family time. We share our daily schedule during breakfast and our day's events at dinner. My children actually enjoy this time together. The family unit is, in my opinion, the most important unit in society. I believe meal time is a great opportunity "unplug" from the outside world and "plug-in" to what's most important, the family.
Amber Sutton
ReplyDeleteI was raised by mother and father who had certain expectations at the table. MY dad, being in the army, was a very strict and straight forward man. No elbows on the table and so on. If we broke those rules we have to drills like we were in the army. Today when we go out to eat now that we are older he is not at strict even he uses his phone. I think that now with all of the advances in technology and how we communicate has something to do with this. It is not strange in our culture to see people on their phones while in a family setting. Although i catch myself doing it sometimes I still think meal time is family time where you talk about your day and other things that are going on in your life.
Henry B. 1101
ReplyDeleteOur society has become dependent on nothing but technology. Without it everything ranging from the gaming world to the business would be distraught. And now in recent times about everything can be controlled from a cellular device. Anyone as well as children can use phones for educational purposes now. Business people receive texts, emails, and even faxes from their cell phones. Our culture has become so accustomed to using our cell phones at almost every hour of the day, why would dinnertime make a difference? Yes, it sounds nice spending quality time with family and friends, but sometimes we won't allow ourselves to escape from our wireless world. We need it. We crave it.
Dashuna L. 44
ReplyDeleteIt has to do with technology such as Cell Phones, Computers, I pads and I pods. I can honestly say I am one of those who text/tweet on the daily. I think growing up my family and I did not have a lot of the technology so we had no choice but to interact and talk. As we grow older we hit the rebellious stage of not wanting to communicate or socialize with our family. Technology does not help in this situation. I think the newer generation wants to fit in and have all the newer gadgets.
Jamila Jackson
ReplyDeleteI agree it is very rude to use cellphones at dinner time. This is a time where you bond with family and friends.I believe in the old saying "It's a time and place for everything". In this day and time cellphones are common and usage is everywhere. It totally depends on the person and their up bringing on when and where to use this item. Myself I wouldn't use it during dinner,class,church,or in a work setting. I just believe its a distraction if you're trying to communicate with people face to face.I rather use my phone for emergencies or on my personal time. That's just my opinion.
Reply to Akia G 97
ReplyDeleteDeidre W 97
I agree with the respect part. If you're spending time at the dinner table or any other table and on your phone you are not giving that person your time and energy that they are giving you by being there.
Sean O'Neill (92)IN CLASS
ReplyDeleteIn many cases answering the phone at the dinner table or texting is considered very rude and inconsiderate. However, it is socially acceptable to step away from the table to answer an important call. It is not acceptable during a family dinner in my household to talk on the phone or to text. I believe it is a distraction to effectively communicate with one another and family dinner is meant for family time. In today's day and age many families are so busy that the only opportunity they have to communicate with each other is at the dinner table. It is a matter of respect for the people around you so silence your phone and enjoy the company.
Steven Thomas 53 TR
ReplyDeleteTraditional ways are changing, many peolpe dont have any rules at the dinner table anymore. Technology has advanced so much that we are connected all the time, so you cant blame the kid for texting at the dinner table when his father sitting next to him and emailing his work buddies. At my house we still ignore the phones when everyone at the table.
Ashley Horne
ReplyDeleteAs a lot of people have said before me, i definitely think that the advancement of technology through the years has played a big part on how are society as a whole has advanced. Like the given situation stated above, answering the phone while eating dinner with friends and or family was probably frowned upon because it was courteous to be one as a family and it was unheard of to answer phone calls to break this so called family bonding. Nowadays, its a key tool to survive in this fast paced evolving world having a cell phone where someone important needs to get a hold of you because just as the technology evolved so has the rest of the world and it has become a little more dangerous so its a possibility that anything could happen and im sure you would like to know as soon as possible so you could do something about it. It could still be a tradition to not answer phones at your parents house, for an example, when i go out to dinner with my mom i still cannot text or call but thats perfectly fine with me.
Angelia D:98 (ONLINE)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. I think it is rude for anyone to get up from a meal to answer the phone. That should be a time with families come together and share in the events of the day. If more families done this maybe our kids would know that we care about what they are doing and who they are spending time with. As you said cell phone do help out but those too are abused way to much. People need face time not text time. Kids and cells phones are not a mix I think should be in the same sentence together. I am to the point of getting rid of mine so my kids will stop with wanting one like I have. People in my opinion treat cell phones like a baby sitter for their kids.
Kelsey Perry
ReplyDeleteIn my family, we do not allow phones at the table. In my opinion a phone completely distracts you from who/what is right in front of you. Like previous posts said, technology has made it very easy to have everything you need in your hand. With that comes the fact that you want to constantly check your phone even at the dinner table.
Shenique G 97 in response to Kelsey Perry
DeleteI completely agree! Cell phones are like mini computers now a days.They hold music,you can get on the internet and talk on the phone, its like society can't function without some form of technology weather it be phone, i pads or computers.
Becca Jobe (chelsea) (T/R 6:00-7:15) In this day and time we are technologically dependent. Whereas, previous generations before us were not as technologically inclined. We have essentially been trained to have a cell phone on us at all times, as well as a device that connects us to the Internet for even further communication purposes. I believe without these devices in our time period people couldn't function, even of it meant turning it off for a family meal. While I do believe it is very rude as well, we live in a different generation where it is socially accepted and ignored.
ReplyDeleteKathy,
ReplyDeleteYou hit on a major point, which is the deminishing of family roles and unity. Society has imposed an evolution of sorts that in some areas has been beneficial, has also been a negative contribution.
Sean Pierre,
ReplyDeleteMy family setting is similar to what you mentioned. I commend your family for still holding true to the traditional values of "dinner time". I think people these days rarely sit down for dinner at the same table with their family. Most families only sit together when they dine out. There are so many forms of technology that are distractions, such as cell phones and networking tablets.
Growing up there was definitely more of a family structure in terms of dining as a family unit and upholding particular etiquette. My Grandmother still enforces these rules; however, my Mother is not as steadfast. My stepchildren are all very young in age, so the use of cell phone in the house is not as frequent. I feel as though the loss of family values and unity play a major role in the use of cell phones and devices such as I-Pads. Although there are many options of entertainment, it is the family member's responsibility to enforce ruled just as our elders did. I recall television being off limits as well in my childhood. As time progresses, there will be more inventions as well. This is inevitable. Therefore, we must make conscious decisions to keep respect for the concept of family time and not use these devices. Cell phone has certainly been a positive contribution for the sake of convenience and safety, however, the dinner table is a place of family and togetherness. Unless there is a dyer emergency, cell phone and such should be on silent. Our society has values out of place. People now feel obligated to share their every move on Twitter or Facebook. The importance of family needs to resurface.
ReplyDeleteKemiO.98
ReplyDeleteAt dinner time family back in the past family almost always set down together at dinner and had open conversations. Nowadays, kids are more private and have less conversations with parents. Back when parents were kids there were no cell phones or computers but now kids have different technology to communicate with each other. When kids were more open with parents they discuss issues they had different then kids do today.
Victoria m. 96
ReplyDeleteI don’t think this is so much of a cultural change in manners, regardless where you are in the world and how old or young you may be, it is still rude to be paying attention to anything other than your present company at the dinner table. I think it’s more of a change in the acceptance of bad table manners which is probably not caused by the rise technology but the correlation between the two is so pronounced that’s its hard to overlook or even distinguish. Im from Scotland and like pretty much everyone here my family wont stand for rudeness at the dinner table, or at any table. Its gets to me if I’m driving with my sister or shopping with a friend and there constantly on the phone or texting or updating statuses, cause its rude, I think it is harder for parents/elders to enforce rules and manners like they used too. I mean if you were at a job interview or having lunch with your boss you wouldn’t be texting or even answer the phone unless it was an emergency so why dont your family members/friends not deserve the same type of respect.
Reply to Stephanie M: 98 (ONLINE)
ReplyDeleteI agree, families should get back to the ways things use to be. The phone should be ignored until after supper, that should be the time to catch up on what has happen during the day. Texting should not be allowed unless it is like you were saying to let someone know if you are running late. It seems as if people today have forgotten what manners are, it has really gotten out of hand.
TamikoK.97
ReplyDeleteI think that the newer generations are being raised more lienient than past generations. As I was growing up, my family did not answer phones at dinner time and that is something that I continue to teach my children. I don't think cell phones should be allowed at the dinner table, especially when it is considered to be "family time." The new millenium parents are younger and more laxed than parents and grandparents of the older generations. I often witnessed parents being more of a friend to their children versus being a parent. People do not enstill morals as much as they did in the past.
TamikoK.97 in response to SheenaM.96
I also agree that the family structure needs to come back together.
SummerC98:Reply to DianaC.98
ReplyDeleteI most definitely agree with you! We have definitely lost touch with our family values by spending too much time with all of our new toys!
Devin K 98
ReplyDeleteAs a young child I was taught by my parents that it was rude to talk on the phone during family meal time. But now both my parents will answer the phone during meal times. My step dad practically has the phone to his ear 24/7 due to his line of work. I am just as guilty of it was they are. I guess growing up and watching them change and begin to do it I thought it was ok too. I believe this has changed due to the way we rely on technology. I think we tend to rely too much on technology. In some cases, the busier the person the more they rely on their phone. They need to check emails, return phone calls, check facebook, etc. When having a meal I try to keep the phone at a minimum, because I do think it is rude to constantly be more focused on your phone than your company.
Restaurants are more intereted in making and maximizing a profit or attracting new costumers rather then follow a old/dieing culture. Seemingly the best way to do this is by making all of today's culturely electronic devices convient for us as the consumer.
ReplyDeleteTemi O 98:
ReplyDeleteIn my home, we don't really do the whole everyone sit down and eat dinner together every night thing. Everyone is on their own time and schedule. Although, whenever we have family time. Maybe we're just gathered around talking or we go out to eat, we're not allowed to be on our phone. That time is considered family time. You have the rest of the time to talk to your friends and everyone else. I think it's rude to be having a conversation while you're supposed to be spending time with your family. I believe this change happened as the world evolved and we as individuals have to depend on technology for a lot of things.
Crystal N.97
ReplyDeleteI believe that technology and convenience are the main culprits for this change in culture.This type of technology has become accessible to people from all walks of life.A person who does not own a working cell phone in the United States is considered to be an oddball. It is so much easier in this day and age to contact someone immediately than it was thirty years ago which has ,in my opinion,has far more advantages than disadvantages.For example, when I was a child my mother had a flat tire and had no way of contacting my father to let him know that her tire was flat.She had to walk about two miles in the rain to the nearest gas station and place a collect call to my father to pick her up.Fast forward to 2012 in the same scenario and my mother would have saved time and agony by pressing a few buttons on her cell phone.
Technology growth and reliance on such is the cause of people readily having there cell phones. Also i think now with the population being almost double of what it was when cell phones were developed that it is a saftey precaution aswell
DeleteAlex Hall,40897
It just depends on what type of values you are raised with. In my home we never ate dinner together so that type of situation really wasnt that big of a deal. But some things I do carry over like not drinking or cursing in front of my grandparents out of respect. And with my own children they dont bring phones to the dinner table but maybe out at a dining place might be ok. Its just how society is now that some things like that are exceptable especialy with the boom of cell phones.
ReplyDeleteIn America we are quite busy, working more hours than our equivalents in European society, often having long commutes, etc. We are a pop-culture socitey relative to most of the world; we love technology and gadets and have a lot of them. More often than not, we go for a cheap, quick meal rather than a quality one. We'd rather someone hurry up and make their point, rather than give a detailed argument. We prefer buzz words to substance (American political culture shows this clearly). Man, I wish people would just put their phones away for a little.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to put my name to this... (the above post)
DeleteNate H. 92
Mark (40892)
ReplyDeleteI believe there are 2 big reasons for the cultural swing on phones while eating. 1) Dinner tables are very different these days. These days dinner tables rarely consist of more than 2 members of a family eating together. With the current lack of interest in family social time, grandma may just be glad you showed up to dinner. She may be affraid if she says something about you being rude by answering your phone, that next time you might not show up at all. 2) With the leaps in technology even grandma has to stay up to date. My grand parents have never surfed the internet, they don't check e-mail, but my Grandma has a $800.00 tablet just because she likes Angry Birds and E-books. She takes it everywhere and can't remember a time without it. With the fast moving technology craze even Grandma has to be in on the movement.
This picture shows a relaxed group of friends in a party situation. I doubt that individually these kids would be on the phone like that if they were at a family meal, just as if you were at home eating and your mom wasn't present you and your siblings would have perhaps tried to get away with more than you normally would. There are some swings in culture, but at the same time we are also just experiencing all of the same feelings other people have in the past other details have just been substituted.
ReplyDeleteBrian D. Hulsey, Chattahoochee Tech, Sociology
ReplyDeleteCell Phones!! Cell phones are a major contributer to the downfall of good manors in society. soon you will not be alowed to tell your students to silence or turn off their cell phones in your classroom without being hit with some human rights bull-$#!+.
So many things can contribute to this culture shift. However, it didn't just happen. The change was gradual, and now our constant use of mobile devices reflects our values. We thrive on never-ending connection, on the overwhelming force of the online world. I have yet to determine if this change has any negative effects.
ReplyDeleteShalon H. 67 (Online)
ReplyDeleteGrant- I agree with you there are several things that caused a culture change. We do thrive on connecting with others.
Shalon H. 67(Online)
ReplyDeleteI think the cultural change is mostly due to the upgrade in technology, as well as reality shows, and the high infatuations with celebrities. We dont want to miss phone calls, we dont want to miss gossip, and we love to stay connected to our family and friends. It's as if no one wants to miss a phone call or text message