I have two complete versions of this.

The first is my Introverted self saying this is one of the greatest inventions not to have to talk ever invented. Further, I can also isolate myself from others trying to small talk by putting in earbuds or headphones when it is safe and I want to get away. I’ve used this since movies on planes to not talk to others.

The second concerns potential victims of crime.

Of course there is the lack of social interaction which most people need to function (like a family). They look like the morons in the meme above.

My big one is situational awareness. When they are walking down the street oblivious to others in front or behind, they are a prime target for crime. They never see it coming. I use concealed hearing devices if I’m going to listen, which I rarely do when walking or being out in public other than the gym.

Someone could walk right up to them, commit a crime and they’d be unaware.

There is a more pervy aspect to this I’ve noticed. I walk by a bunch of girls (usually) lost on their phones and the young guys (usually) are looking to see anything if they can. I am very aware of my circumstances and frequently if there is something to look at (good looking person, outburst or any distraction) I look at the people watching the event causing the commotion. It’s much more telling and far more interesting.

There are many times I’ve been close enough to slap someone not paying attention because they are lost on their phone. They’d never see it coming.

In less dangerous scenarios, I often say something very wrong to people engrossed in their phone to see how much they aren’t paying attention. Most of the time, they should be shot, beat them for their crimes, ship them back or any other comment just flies of the heads.

If they do catch what I said, the whole situation is laid bare to the point that I am making, you are so lost in your phone you don’t care about what and who is around you.

Don’t be a target and put the damn phone down and join society.