In our lifetimes, boomers have watched many trends come and go. One trend that appears to be here for good is the ever-present iPhone. Even in the reviewing stand at the Inaugural Parade in our nation's capitol following Monday's Presidential Inauguration, there were iPhones on display.
President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia were seen sporting their phones as the parade approached the reviewing stand.
Both President Obama and his older daughter Malia were seen on CNN's TV coverage looking down at their phones.
Later, as President and Mrs. Obama shared a kiss, their younger daughter Sasha was taking photos. Some parents may have breathed a sigh of relief to see that even the President of the United States has kids who are on their phones non-stop.
It seems that iPhones have taken over everywhere. In some families, there's a rule that all iPhones are put in the center of the table before a meal begins, to be returned following the meal.
Really? Do we need rules to teach people to show respect? When a person standing in front of you or sitting with you at the table receives less of your attention than a person on the other side of a phone, there may be a problem.
When you do a Google search of the phrase "cell phone courtesy," over 8 million results are returned. An article on the MSN Money website mentions several restaurants where phones are taken at the door.
It seems that many people just don't get it. Back in the day, the phone wasn't answered during dinner. People who were physically with you took precedence over those who weren't.
To some, the iPhone issue isn't a big deal. For others, the ever-present phones represent just another decline in manners.
From meal time to family traveling, iPhones are there every step of the way. Updating Facebook status, playing Words with Friends, and sending text messages all seem more important than real life face time.
But on the bright side, if the President's daughters are seen texting during an important event, it must be okay for everyone else. I'll remember that during my next work meeting. Technology, here I come.
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