I'm Old School Like That

So, my phone finally died. After two and a half years of faithful service, to Japan and back, the sliding mechanism broke. I can still turn it on but any moment, it might snap and break into two. So that's that.

For the longest time I can remember, my friends, students and ex-students have been asking me, begging me, annoying me and even ridiculing me with requests for me to please, please, PLEASE buy a smartphone. So almost everyone thought, "Oh yes! FINALLY, you're getting a smartphone, Caleb! Woohoo!" It's funny how my personal choice gets so much debate and attention. What happened to "live and let live" or "to each their own"?

I can understand their reasoning. Yes, the smartphone is truly a smart device. I've had decent discussions with friends, students and ex-students who gave me a demo of what a smartphone can do. Am I impressed? Yes. Am I amazed? Yes. Do I need one right now? No.

It's amazing how some people complain that it's hard to get me since I'm not on Whatsapp or Whatseverapp or what not. It'd be great if there's a Whysapp because I'd really like to know why I can't be reached via a text message, a call, a message on Facebook or Twitter. Do I get it that whatsapp is free? Yes, I do. Do I think it's a great tool? Yes, I do. But that's no excuse to ask me to buy a smartphone for THEIR convenience, is it?

Let's put this in a similar context and see how it works out:

Sam : Eh, Joe. Why do you have to live in Kuala Selangor? It's so hard for me to meet you leh... so far...

Joe  : But I like it there. There's so much nature, the air is clean and I can go on a quiet boat ride to see the fireflies whenever I want to.

Sam : Really, dude. You should move to Klang where all our friends are. It's easier to meet that way. So, when are you going to move to Klang?

That's not very far from how some people have been pestering me to get a smartphone. I'm just amazed at how far this thing has gone sometimes. Well, do you want to know why I'm so stubborn in sticking with my keypad-and-tiny-screen type of phone? It's because I want to be connected. That's right. You heard it, folks. I want to be connected with the world around me. I want to be connected with LIFE.

We should always be the master of our technology and not let technology be our master but take a look around you. How many are there who are truly in control? How many would dare admit that they get lost in their smartphone world more often than not? I'm fine with being on Facebook. In fact, I'm on it nearly every day but I only do so when I'm home. When I'm alone and don't have people around me. That's when I need to be connected. But not when I am out there in the real world. No, I want to live my life when I'm out there.

It's ironic that while we are more "connected" because of technology, in truth, we have become even more disconnected from the people around us. How often have I found myself at a table with friends and not a second has passed before someone's pulled out his smartphone to "check-in" or another who's taken a pic and tagged every Tom, Dick and Harry at the table or worse, feeding farm animals, feeding fish, slicing fruits, making a bunch of angry birds hit a bunch of pigs, flapping birds or simply scrolling through their smartphone for no apparent reason because somehow they just can't keep their fingers off that damn thing! Well, frankly, I don't want to be part of that. As much as I believe I can control my use of the smartphone, a side of me fears that I'll be sucked into the whole damn thing... just like the rest. And I don't want that. I don't want to be like the rest...

People who truly know me will say I'm different. But then you'll say, well, so is everybody. Yeah, that's because you don't know me. Anyway, I won't go on because it already sounds like boasting as it is and I'm not like that. The simple thing about me, which sadly so few of my friends understand, is that I live in the HERE and NOW. When I'm out in the world, I like to connect with it. I like to interact with society and ultimately with individuals who make up this society we live in. That's where and when LIFE happens. But if you're constantly staring at that 4 inch (or 450 inch) screen in front of you, how can you possibly connect with LIFE? How can you even claim to be "OUT" at Starbucks when really, you're on Facebook or Whatsapp, in your private little world?

Speaking about Starbucks... I was by myself a few weeks ago, chilling after class had ended at 10pm... and there she was... lovely and alone, in the corner. I couldn't stop staring at her and was thinking of what to say to her when I walk up to her. But there she was, constantly typing away on her smartphone... I waited and waited for a chance when she might look away and see me, when I might get her attention... but no... the moment never came. By the time my patience had ended (which was about 30 minutes later), I just got up, walked out and went home. That was it. In another time, we might have been friends at least...

So, if you really want to know why I choose to be disconnected, well, let me tell you this. I am more connected than most people. I am more alive in the HERE and NOW than most people. And most importantly, I am happy with the choices I make for myself. So, sorry if I am an inconvenience to you. Sorry that I am making life difficult for you. If I am that much of a burden, maybe we shouldn't be friends after all...

And while we're at it, have a look at my new baby... it's a beauty, isn't it?