As wonderful as mobile phones have been in the advancement of mankind towards better living, the gadget remains one of the most intrusive devices man ever made. a
Asides the deep, dirty secrets the little gadget can conceal, its ability to destabilize joyous gatherings is unrivalled.
If anyone going on a first date seeks common wisdom on how to have a hassle free dating experience, one of the things he or she will find is that fidgeting with one's phone on a date is not only selfish, it is downright disrespectful.
Putting the above findings into consideration, I'll say what is good for the goose should definitely be good for the gander. If using a phone is a form of disrespect when on a date with a total stranger, shouldn't it be considered a disrespect towards families during important meetups?
Honestly, I have found myself in some uncomfortable situations where a person prioritized pressing the phone to outright communication. I can assure you that it was not pretty. Luckily for me, I always have my phone with me so I instantly counter such an act with my own act of neglect. It's not cool, yes, but it's a tit for tat world we live in. No singular person has a monopoly on silliness.
In all, banning phones during family gatherings looks interesting but not easily achievable. Why? Our phones are now much more than an object for extracurricular activities; it can hold the key to the success or failure of a man as the occasion arises.
If phones are banned during family gatherings, the gathering will still be as lively and eventful as when those phones are in full display. Afterall people go to interviews and follow the instructions to do away with their phones without any form of hassle. Why should it be a problem to follow that rule for important family gatherings?
However, the tone of the gathering will be affected. And that's because of who we are: humans. An average human being doesn't like to be restricted. They love to do things the way they want it and be left to make important decisions according to their discretion.
The only problem with this is that some people will knowingly make wrong decisions and wouldn't care about it since it doesn't directly harm them. They'd be comfortable making excuses for those wrong decisions.
So, how do you ban the usage of phones during family gatherings without ruffling feathers?
The decision must be collective, not forced. If not, an obstinate family member will choose that time to chat with a long lost friend of his that suddenly appeared out of the blues. And if you try to enforce the rule it may dour the mood of the gathering thereby becoming counterproductive.
It must be promptly communicated well before the gathering: Especially in the early stages, everyone must know and agree to the fact they won't be massaging their phones for the most part of the gathering.
Concessions must be made in case of unavoidable situations: A family member that needs to keep tabs on an important project while also attending family gatherings must be allowed to communicate with his colleagues. The rule mustn't be rigid else it will fail woefully. Also, it mustn't be lax else everyone will take advantage of it.
