malada: Canadian flag text I stand with Canada (Default)
malada ([personal profile] malada) wrote2024-05-08 07:45 am
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Can I have your cellphone number?

My standard answer to the question, "Can I have your cellphone number?" is usually, "No."

Early in my use of a cellphone whenever I gave out my number I would get spammed. The most common was the *ship horn blast* "You have won a free cruise!" Yeah, right.

But more than that, I think a large number of people expect you to have your cellphone on and with you at ll times of the day and night. They expect instant access to you 24/7. Now, a lot of people *are* joined at the palm with their cellphone (yeah I know what you're thinking you dirty minded people). Everywhere I go I see people with their heads bowed as they stare at their screens: talking, texting, gaming. It's not just the instant access - it's the tracking. That's bothersome.

I usually check my email once a day, early in the morning. Yesterday, my financial folks sent me some important emails after I had left for work. They also called me to let me know I had important emails to look at. While I appreciate them double-contacting me - because the information was important and time sensitive, it also suggest they too, want instant access to me.

I filled out the forms after supper.

I'm sort of busy, you know. I understand that important messages need to be received quickly. One of my early cellphones was faulty and I missed an important call from my mom. Fortunately, she called my work number and left a message so it all worked out. But this concept that anyone, anywhere can contact anyone, at any time is disturbing.
siliconshaman: black cat against the moon (Default)

[personal profile] siliconshaman 2024-05-08 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)

One feature I love with my phone.. I can blacklist numbers.

[personal profile] acelightning73 2024-05-08 09:37 pm (UTC)(link)
But in order to be able to contact anybody instantly in an emergency, you pay the price of being someone else's "anybody". At my age, I wear clothes with pockets so I'll always know if my phone rings, and if I need to call for help, I can. But I don't casually give out my personal number to random strangers. Bad enough I get phone calls telling me I'm overdue for a dental checkup. Or telling me to change my car insurance.
moxie_man: (Default)

[personal profile] moxie_man 2024-05-09 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
My flip cell is only on when I travel. I don't like this new world order of 24/7 access/tracking.